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MA Program

Thesis Advisor: Dr. Maria Cristina Morales

Thesis: I used the migration-trust-network theory to test the labor outcomes of DACA recipients.

Internships: I did not take part in formal internships. But there was enough opportunities for me to participate or volunteer in research projects, that while were not always paid, allowed me to develop all of the research skills that I use today. This process also opened doors to other funded opportunities.

Post MA in Sociology

PhD Program: I am currently a PhD student in the department of sociology at the Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of New Mexico. I was awarded the UNM Health Policy Fellowship at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/UNM Health Policy Center, which guarantees a stipend of $24,000 for four years and a possible smaller dissertation stipend on my fifth year. It also covers my tuition and health care coverage costs, provides travel funds, and provides a computer and different software packages. I am also allowed to receive additional contracts of up to 10 hours a week, which have allowed me to earn more income. This is additional to the 20 hours of research a week that are part of my fellowship contract. The coursework is very similar to my experience at UTEP. Since it is a PhD program we are required to take additional statistic and methodology courses, which I have really enjoyed. Our department, and university, is also very strong in Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR), which has allowed me to understand how a sociologist can conduct or participate in research that is important and meaningful to the community that you are working with. Research for me at UNM has been challenging but rewarding. Due to my fellowship I now know how to conduct research that is more aligned with policy and often in public health. This has coupled nicely with my sociology research. The best part of this is that I am now learning and reading what I like the most, which is research that lies between sociology, public health, and policy.

Publications: I have two papers that are close to going out for review.

Jobs: UNM Health Policy Doctoral Fellow

How has the MA in Sociology program prepared you? It provided the sociological research and theory foundations that I needed to conduct research as soon as I entered my current program. It also provided me with a good understanding of what is like to work in academia, and how this will vary by department. I feel that at UTEP I received academic mentoring that will last me well into the tenure process. The faculty that I was in contact with at UTEP genuinely places student first. They care so much that they still offer mentoring and reach out.

Organization memberships:

• Southwest Sociology Association
• American Sociology Association

Future Goals: Complete the PhD program and be hired for a tenure track faculty position. I want to couple this with research that can influence policy changes or advocates social justice.

Education

BA- Sociology with Minor in History, The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso, 2012
MA- Sociology, The Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é of Texas at El Paso, 2015

Email: mariojavierchavez@unm.edu 

Favorite Memory

My favorite memory from the sociology program is the friendliness of the faculty. I do not recall any instances that made me feel out of place. This is present in all of my memories of the potlucks, events, and chats with faculty members. I especially miss the talks with Dr. Morales and Dr. Murga.