EDUCATION
University of Southern California 2014
Doctorate of Philosophy, Department of American Studies & Ethnicity (ASE)
Core Disciplines: Sociology, Political Science & Anthropology
Dissertation Title: How Evangelicals are Born-Again and Again: Race, Ethnicity, Religion & Politics in American Culture
Dissertation Committee: Janelle Wong (Chair) (Political Science & ASE), Lanita Jacobs (Anthropology & ASE), Donald Miller (Sociology & Religion)
Concentrations: Sociology of Race & Ethnicity, Sociology of Religion, Ethnography, Critical Race Theory, Race & Identity Group Politics, Identity & Social Identity, Gender & Sexuality, Religious Studies
University of Southern California 2011
Master of Arts, Department of American Studies & Ethnicity (ASE)
Examination Fields: Urban Studies, Religion in the United States, Sociology of Religion, Sociological Theory of Race and Ethnicity & Ethnography.
Qualifying Exam Committee: Janelle Wong (Chair), Lanita Jacobs (Ethnography), Donald Miller (Sociology & Religion), Leland Saito (Sociology & ASE), Laura Pulido (Urban Theory & Los Angeles)
Concentrations: Sociology of Race & Ethnicity, Sociology of Religion, Ethnography, Critical Race Theory, Identity & Social Identity, Gender & Sexuality, Chicano/Latino History, Urban Theory
Loyola-Marymount University 2003
Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy
Concentrations: Continental Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Medieval Philosophy, Modernism, Marxism, Critical Theory, Post-Modernism.
PUBLICATIONS
Wong, J. S., Rim, K., Perez, H. (2008). “Asian and Latino Protestant Churches and Conservative Politics in the United States.” Civic Hopes and Political Realities: Immigrants, Community Organizations, and Political Engagement,New York, NY: Russell Sage Foundation Press.
CERTIFICATION
Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies In Process
TEACHING POSITIONS
Lecturer/PhD Teaching Assistant (University of Southern California)
American Studies & Ethnicity 135: Peoples & Cultures of the Americas Fall, 2016
(4 Classes, 106 Students)
An introduction to cultures and people in the Americas; the social, historical, economic and cultural formations that together make up the Latino/a American imaginary.
American Studies & Ethnicity 274: Exploring Ethnicity Through Film Fall, 2016
(2 Classes, 55 Students)
Examination of the constructions of American ethnicity/race in film.
Sociology 155: Immigrant America Spring, 2016
(2 Classes, 46 Students)
Examination of the immigrant experience in the United States. Comparative analysis of social context of migration, formation of immigrant communities, and social integration of immigrants.
Judaic Studies 258: Food, Faith & Conflict Spring, 2015
(3 Classes, 74 Students)
Investigates how food and food traditions create and cross religious and social conflicts between Jews, Christians and Muslims by exploring faith, practice, thought and ethics.
Sociology 255: Sociology of Globalization Spring, 2015
(2 Classes, 25 Students)
This course examines globalization through social and economic processes and its consequences for social conflict, economic development, human rights, social movements, and national identity.
Sociology 150: Social Problems Fall, 2014
(2 Classes, 54 Students)
Analysis of factors in current American social problems: crime, delinquency, prostitution, family disorganization, race relations, mental illness.
History 225: Film, Power & American History Fall, 2014
(4 Classes, 85 Students)
U.S. motion pictures as both a response to and comment upon major events, problems, and themes in 20th century America.
American Studies & Ethnicity 274: Exploring Ethnicity through Film Fall, 2014
(4 Students, 105 Students)
Examination of the constructions of American ethnicity/race in film.
Graduate Teaching Assistant (University of Southern California)
Religion 140: Religion & Ethical Issues: The Religions of Los Angeles Spring, 2014
(2 Classes, 60 Students)
How the major religious traditions of Los Angeles understand ethical and moral issues such as reproductive technologies and abortion, physician-assisted death, civil disobedience, homosexuality, economic justice, and just war.
Religion 137: Introduction to Islam Fall, 2013
(2 Classes, 60 Students)
Introduction to Islam, emphasizing its historical and cultural development since the seventh century C.E., and the basic teachings of Islam.
Anthropology 263: Exploring Culture through Film Spring & Summer, 2013
(4 Classes, 85 Students)
Concepts of social anthropology using filmic representations of societies throughout the world in contrast to written ethnography.
Arts & Letters 101: Los Angeles: The City, The Novel, The Movie Spring & Summer, 2012
(4 Classes, 80 Students)
An exploration of the culture, vibrancy, heritage, mythology, variety, and pathology of a city that was born in hopes and captured the world’s imagination.
Religion 121: The World of the New Testament Fall, 2011
(2 Classes, 60 Students)
Historical investigation of New Testament characters, events, ethics and theology in relation to its social, intellectual, and religious contexts in the Jewish and Greco-Roman world.
American Studies 301: America, the Frontier & the New West Spring, 2009
(2 Classes, 50 Students)
Introduction to an interdisciplinary study of American political, cultural and social life with a particular emphasis on the Western United States as a region.
RESEARCH POSITIONS
Research Associate 2009-2011
The Center for Religion & Civic Culture at the University of Southern California.
- Ethnographic research, participant observation and field notes at various churches.
- Wrote up independent research results and communicate research results within the research group, at meetings through publications and other recognized avenues as appropriate.
- Prepared research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
- Reviewed and synthesize existing research literature within the field
Research Associate 2006-2008
Immigration, Religion & Conservative Politics at the University of Southern California.
- Participant observation and field notes at various churches
- Assisted in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research and assessment.
- Analyzed and interpreted the results of own research and generated conclusions to update continually knowledge and understanding in the field and translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
Research Associate 2002-2006
The Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola-Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
- “The Role of Leadership”: As part of this research, the Center has developed a methodology for surveying local elected officials and other leaders that consists of face-to-face structured interviews with batteries of open- and closed-ended questions.
“Polling Place Quality Survey”: On Election Day, researchers evaluate the quality and accessibility of polling places to determine if the quality and accessibility of voting precincts varies across socioeconomic and demographic settings.
- “Westchester Community Survey”: Conducted a door-to-door survey of residents of Westchester, the neighborhood surrounding Loyola Marymount University. Topics included residents’ opinions regarding the quality of life and important issues in Westchester and in Los Angeles, opinions about Playa Vista and other development issues, perceptions of civic leaders and civic institutions, levels of community participation and feelings of personal efficacy, and perceptions of various demographic groups.
Prospect Research Analyst 2003
University Relations, Loyola-Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
- Responsible for systematic identification, development, analysis, and maintenance of relevant information on major gift prospects. Ability to recognize wealth indicators and liabilities and use this data to provide appropriate financial capacity ratings.
- Analyzes, interprets, updates, and formats biographical, professional, and financial information into concise report formats for various fundraising constituencies, including development officers, senior development staff, school/college deans, and the chancellor.
- Presents appropriate materials in response to requests for information, including but not limited to, in-depth individual profiles, summary information to support major solicitation and/or stewardship events, and other development-related information as requested by development staff.
CONFERENCES & PRESENTATIONS
Posse Plus Retreat USC: Crime & Punishment 2015
- I was faculty representative in a conference that included 5,000 college students at48 colleges anduniversitiesfrom all over the United States engaged in dialogue about crime and punishment in the United States. A rare opportunity for various communities to voice their ideas and experience during this important national conversation.
Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR) 2011
- “Blue-Collar Theology, Men’s Ministriesand the Waterfront: Pentecostalism and Identity in Working-Class Los Angeles”
McNair Scholarship Summer Research Institute 2008
- I developed a sociological history of Protestantism in the United States to explore how race and ethnicity were primary motivation factors in religious identities.
The Pacific Drift 2006
KPCC,Los Angeles, CA
- I provided commentary about the theological attitudes of Pentecostalism.
Slanguage Speaker Series 2005
After School Youth Provider, Wilmington, CA
- Weekly discussion groups, in which I presented a history of various Protestant denominations and theologies as well as various Western philosophical schools of thought and theories in a familiar language for inner city students.
Uncertain States of America 2005
Museum of Modern Art, Oslo, Norway
- Uncertain States of America: American Art in the 3rd Millenniumprovided a picture of the new generation of American artists, the AstrupFearnley Museum of Modern Art exhibited young artists with a new vision. This art can be characterized as narrative and with a clear social and political consciousness.
- Mario Ybarra Jr. and I organized a curatorial exhibit called Dance to the Beat of a Different Drum Machine, which displayed the aesthetic artifacts (flyers, DJ breakdowns, drug paraphernalia) of Los Angeles’ Rave Culture from 1989-1995 and I give a commentary on the similarities between religious experiences within Pentecostalism and Raves. Arthur C. Danto mentions it in Artforum’sBest of 2005.
People & Politics in Los Angeles: Urban Democracies at the Crossroads 2004
Loyola-Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
- Served as primary liaison with internal and external constituencies on all matters relating to program activities.
Urban Issues Lecture Series 2000-2004
Loyola-Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
- Ensured broad representation of plenary speakers and mini-symposium organizers from various Los Angeles communities and industries.
- Assured a diverse and eclectic representation of academic disciplines.
Human Rights Coalition Forum: “The Iraq War: One Year Later” 2003
Loyola-Marymount, Los Angeles, CA
- Presented an analysis of the diverse schools of thought, influencing foreign policy, within the Republican Party and the Bush administration. Surveyed the Neoconservatives, Realist, Neo-Wilsonians, Libertarians and Paleoconservatives, describing philosophical roots and traditions as well as their future strategies. I also focused on the relationship between American Evangelicals and Neoconservatives.
Understanding Terrorism: Philosophical Issues 2003
Loyola-Marymount, Los Angeles, CA
- Represented Loyola-Marymount Philosophy Society, coordinating discussions between representatives from the Pentagon, West Point and the University of Tel Aviv
Loyola-Marymount Philosophy Society 2000-2004
Loyola-Marymount, Los Angeles, CA
- Organized popular weekly discussion groups which centered on the philosophical aspects of certain movies.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT
Barista 2000-2002
The Lion’s Café, Loyola-Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
- Served brewed coffee, blended drinks, specialty mixed drinks (Lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks) and food items; operated the cash register
- Coordinated the production and distribution of promotional materials.
Program Assistant 1998-2000
El Camino College Scholarship Office, Torrance, CA
- Responsibilities included but not limited to planning and arranging for all instructional and student support services, acting as liaison between students and donors.
- Arranged all meeting room and conference logistics, instructors, speakers and corporate sponsors.
Office Manager 1997-1998
Maynard Political Consulting Services, Los Angeles, CA
- Supervised personnel which typically included recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation, and problem resolution.
- Managed daily operations, established work priorities; assisted in resolving problems related to the day-to-day operations of the office.
House Manager and Coordinator 1995-1998
Behavioral Health Services: Pacifica House, Hawthorne, CA
- Monitored and observed clients, ensuring their safety and well-being, and providing motivational support and guidance to assist them in meeting therapeutic goals.
- Reported client observations and contributed to treatment decisions concerning therapy, discipline, and privileges. Ensuring compliance with established program standards and ensured program objectives.
Crew Leader, Warehouse Manager 1996-1998 Rock Bottom Clothing Company, Hawthorne, CA
- Responsible for all aspects of coordinating operations for assigned work crews, as well as, assessing, monitoring and enforcing performance standards and safe work practices.
- Supervised personnel which typically included recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation, and problem resolution.
- Managed daily operations, established work priorities; assisted in resolving problems related to the day-to-day operations of the warehouse.
Manager 1992-1993
Greeko’s Sandals, Hermosa Beach, CA
- Received and processed merchandise from distributors, checked merchandise received against purchase invoice, logged merchandise into inventory, and prepare product for showroom floor.
- Created well organized displays which appealed to the eclectic tastes of the Greeko customer.
- Catered to the aesthetic tastes of such diverse urban cultural types as Ravers, Goths, Skaters, Surfers, Stoners, Slackers, Deadheads, Hippies, Taggers, B-Boys, Punkers, Dominatrix and Hello Kitty Fanatics.
L.A. Taxi/United Checker Cab 1992-1993
Cab Driver, Los Angeles County, CA
- Provided safe and efficient transportation into and throughout the spectacular and strange evenings of Los Angeles.
- Maintained records of work performed; making timely reports of accidents, incidents and unusual occurrences.
- Provided transportation for persons with special needs, such as disabled individuals and senior citizens.
DJ/Club Promoter 1990-1995
Independent Contractor, Los Angeles County, CA
- Planed, developed, coordinated, and implemented special events including open houses, special event days, exhibits, weddings, birthdays and underground raves.
- Promoted special events by writing and editing public relations materials including news releases, articles, and newsletters, and by coordinating photo opportunities.
- Solicited sponsors, speakers, performers, and/or volunteers for the events.
Pre-Loader 1989-1990
United Parcel Service, Gardena, CA
- Worked with fast paced environment with strong emphasis on efficiency and detail in meeting deadlines.
- Unloaded parcels with a work crew at the rate of 1200 per hour.
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