# MeetLourdes Carmona

**Source**: https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/lourdes-carmona.html
**Parent**: https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/index.html

# Meet Lourdes Carmona

**Tell us a bit about yourself**

I am originally from Yecapixtla, Morelos, and Mexico City, now I call San Diego home. I graduated from California State University, San Marcos, with a double major in Social Sciences and Spanish. In the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to conduct research using Zine Praxis to challenge and question the structures of knowledge and power imposed by colonialism in two indigenous communities in Morelos, Mexico. I chose to attend graduate school for two main reasons: first, to research and preserve the traditions, customs, and oral histories of indigenous communities in Mexico; and second, to set a precedent, an example that immigrant Latinos can obtain degrees in higher education.

**What are you studying/researching?**

My research focuses on exploring the intricate narratives surrounding Malintzin, drawing from oral histories to illuminate the often-overlooked stories of indigenous communities, curanderas/os, and the role of food as a tool for decolonization. I use Zine praxis to challenge and question the structures of knowledge and power imposed by colonialism.

**Tell us about your campus involvement at UC San Diego**

In San Diego, I enjoy hiking and contributing to my community by organizing beach cleanups and coordinating Clean Up Days in my neighborhood.

**Why UC San Diego?**

I chose UC because of its prestigious reputation, outstanding faculty, and the program's interdisciplinary nature, which offers the flexibility to choose from a range of classes and research interests. Additionally, the fully funded Latin American Studies Program allows me to pursue higher education without the burden of loans

**Have you received any awards or fellowships?**

Yes, the Latin American Studies Program awarded me a $2,000 grant to support my summer 2024 research in Morelos, Mexico.

## [Social Sciences](https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/index.html)

- [Lilly Amirjavadi](https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/lilly-amirjavadi.html)
- Lourdes Carmona
- [Morgen Chalmiers](https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/morgen-chalmiers.html)
- [Bianca Freeman](https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/bianca-freeman.html)
- [Ramsey Ismail](https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/ramsey-ismail.html)
- [Ruby Johnston](https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/ruby-johnston.html)
- [Benjamin C. Kennedy](https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/benjamin-c.-kennedy-.html)
- [Ana Lopez-Ricoy](https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/ana-lopez-ricoy.html)
- [Shanelle Watkins](https://grad.ucsd.edu/student-life/student-spotlights/social-sciences/shanelle-watkins.html)