New SSCI faculty starting August 2024
Economics
Assistant professor Ernesto Mora (he/him)
ernesto.riveramora@colorado.edu
Ernesto Rivera Mora is a specialist in microeconomic theory with a focus in information economics, dynamics, behavioral economics, and industrial organization. Rivera Mora earned his PhD in Economics from the University of Arizona and previously worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Cowles Foundation (Yale University). Rivera Mora’s most recent publication is entitled “Mechanism Design with Belief-Based Presences” (Journal of Economic Theory, 2024).
Martin Boileau, Department Chair of Economics, says, “We are thrilled to welcome Ernesto Rivera Mora, a talented microeconomic theorist, to the department. His research and recent experience as a postdoctoral fellow at the Cowles Foundation (Yale University) will bring valuable insights to the department. Looking forward to the exciting collaborations and discussions ahead.”
Ethnic Studies
Assistant Professor Kelsey John (she/her)
Kelsey.John@colorado.edu
Dr. Kelsey Dayle John is a member of the Navajo Nation and specializes in equine and human relations in Native American communities. Her research specifically looks at the social, cultural and historical narratives of horse/human relations. Previously, Dr. John worked as an Assistant Professor of Gender and Women’s Studies and American Indian Studies at the University of Arizona.
Ethnic Studies Chair Clint Carroll says, “I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. John to CU and the Department of Ethnic Studies. Dr John brings a suite of scholarly specialties that will enhance and complement our curriculum and department mission, including Indigenous feminisms, human-animal studies, disability studies, and other intersectional and interdisciplinary approaches to critical ethnic and Indigenous studies.”
Political Science
Assistant Professor Michaelangelo Landgrave (he/him)
Michelangelo.Landgrave@colorado.edu
Michelangelo Landgrave is a specialist in state and local politics, legislative studies, and immigration politics. He received his MA and PhD in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside and an additional MA in Economics from California State University, Long Beach.
He has numerous current and forthcoming peer reviewed articles in Politics, Groups, and Identities, Electoral Studies, Political Analysis, and more. Prior to joining CU Boulder, Dr. Landgrave worked at the University of Missouri as an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs. Dr. Landgrave has held previous offices as a fellow at Princeton University and with the U.S Federal Government’s Office of Evaluation Sciences.
Political Science Chair Jennifer Fitzgerald says, “Michelangelo comes to us with great expertise and energy! He will establish our department's first Race, Ethnicity, and Politics Lab, which will significantly enrich our department and our campus community. He has such a wonderful approach to community building and to inclusion. We are lucky he has decided to join us!”
Assistant professor Marayna Martinez (she/her)
Marayna.Martinez@colorado.edu
Marayna Martinez is a specialist in American politics with a focus on educational policy and the effect of public education on the political development of children of color. Her research interests include race and ethnic politics, political behavior, policy feedback, and K12 educational policy.
Martinez’s educational background consists of a BS in Electrical Engineering and Political Science from Massachusetts Institue of Technology and received a joint PhD in Political Science and Public Policy from Duke University. Prior to joining CU Boulder, she was a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Politics at Princeton University.
Chair Fitzgerald adds, “Marayna is bringing wonderful knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to our department. We are so excited about her expertise in public education policy. In particular, her work on the effects of American public education on children of color is cutting-edge and very important for research and teaching at CU. We are so fortunate that Marayna will soon be our colleague!”
Assistant teaching professor Allie Palmer (she/her)
Alexandra.Palmer@Colorado.EDU
Allie Palmer is a specialist in U.S. constitutional law, American political institutions, and judicial behavior and processes. A graduate of our own, Palmer received her MA and PhD in Political Science from CU Boulder. Her dissertation discusses the influence of public opinion on the U.S. Supreme Court and its responsiveness to global mood and policy issues.
Teaching work that Palmer has done involves topics such as constitutional law, quantitative research methods, the American political system, political science data analysis, and designing social inquiry.
From Chair Fitzgerald, “Allie is an excellent scholar who graduated from our department with her PhD. We are delighted to welcome her home! Allie is an outstanding teacher and researcher, bringing expertise in so many areas. Our undergraduates will be so lucky to take her classes in American Politics and Research Methods.”
Sociology
Assistant professor Jen Triplett (she/her)
Jennifer.Triplett@colordo.edu
The Department of Sociology welcomes Dr. Jen Triplett who specializes in sociology of politics, culture, gender, and collective identity. Triplett holds a PhD and MA in Sociology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and has an additional MA in Latin American Studies from Tulane University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jen Triplett to the Department of Sociology!” says Patricia Burton, the department’s Executive Program Manager. “Dr. Triplett’s work has appeared in the American Sociological Review, the flagship journal of the discipline, and she has received the Reinhard Bendix award from the American Sociological Association, the most prestigious award for a political sociologist. She will be teaching courses on social movements and historical methods. Welcome Jen!”
Speach, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Assistant teaching professor River Frank (they/them)
river.frank@colorado.edu
River M. Frank is an ASL educator and Deaf interpreter passionate about accessibility and language acquisition. They hold an MS Ed in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education from Western Oregon University and an M.A. in Sign Language Education from Gallaudet University. Their professional experience spans teaching, interpreting, and curriculum development, with a focus on creating inclusive learning environments. They are interested in empowering Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through language and education.
SLHS Chair Pui Fong Kan says of River, “We are delighted to welcome River Frank to SLHS. River will teach American Sign Language courses and mentor students in ASL and accessibility. With a profound understanding of Deaf culture and a passion for inclusive education, River will bring valuable expertise in ASL instruction to our department.”
Assistant teaching professor Pamela Macias (she/her)
pamela.macias@colorado.edu
Pamela G. Macias is a Deaf ASL educator and specialist with over a decade of experience teaching American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. She holds an MSc in Deafhood Studies from the University of Bristol, U.K., and an BFA in Illustration from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She has extensive experience teaching diverse learners, from aspiring interpreters to K-12 and postsecondary students. Pamela's expertise extends to online instruction, curriculum development, and program coordination. Pamela is interested in creating inclusive learning environments and preserving Deaf narratives.
Chair Kan adds, “We are thrilled to welcome Pamela Macias to the SLHS department! Pamela will teach American Sign Language and Deaf Studies courses, and mentor students interested in Deaf education and advocacy. Her extensive experience in teaching diverse learners and creating inclusive environments will be a valuable addition to our department.”
Assistant professor Donghyeon Yun (he/him)
donghyeon.yun@colorado.edu
Donghyeon Yun is an expert in hearing science and his research involves electroacoustic to perceptual outcomes of hearing aids in adults. Dr. Yun recently graduated with his PhD from Indiana University, Bloomington and holds a BA and MA in Audiology from Hallym University, Chuncheon in South Korea.
“We are delighted to welcome Donghyeon Yun to SLHS” says Pui Fong Kan, Department Chair of Speech, Language & Hearing Science. “Dr. Yun will teach core SLHS courses and mentor students in audiology and hearing science. Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition found in older adults in the U.S. and Dr. Yun, who is also a clinician, will bring valuable expertise in the topic of hearing aids to our department.”
Women and Gender Studies
Assistant professor Jianmin Shao (they/them)
Jianmin.shao@colorado.edu
Jianmin Shao is a feminist psychologist who specializes in medical anthropology, Trans health, and family in China. Shao’s research discusses LGBTQ+ identity within the context of global East West dynamics. Prior to CU Boulder, Shao worked as an Assistant Professor of Child and Family Development at San Diego State University.
Women and Gender Studies Chair Julie Carr says, “We are so excited to have Jianmin join us! Shao has a very compassionate approach to teaching and learning, and their research is field-based while also having an original theoretical grounding and analysis. Also, they are just a warm and thoughtful person who is clearly ready to hit the ground running!”