Latina and Latino Studies Scholar to Fill Joint Appointment in Sociology, Latin American Studies

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Juan José Bustamante

The department of sociology and criminal justice has announced the addition of Juan José Bustamante to its faculty this fall. Bustamante will join the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences as an assistant professor with a joint appointment that includes the Latin American and Latino studies program.

“Dr. Bustamante’s enthusiasm for his research has led to a solid publication record for one so early into his career,” said Brent Smith, distinguished professor in sociology and chair of the department. “He has presented his research at conferences and universities across the United States as well as Latin America, South Africa and Spain.”

In addition to his numerous presentations around the globe, Bustamante has published several articles, reports and book chapters. He also served as an abstractor for the Journal of Latin American Studies and International Migration. His many research interests include U.S.-Mexico migration processes, racial and ethnic relations, sociology of the family, sociology of gender and social inequality.

“We’re happy to have Dr. Bustamante join our team,” said Steven Bell, professor of Spanish and director of the Latin American and Latino studies program. “His research background coupled with his personal experience will greatly enhance our students’ understanding of key issues facing various communities in their interrelationships, including quite particularly the growing and thriving Latino community in Northwest Arkansas, which no doubt will become an additional focus of his research.”

Since 2006, Bustamante has served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Texas Pan-American. He spent his summers from 2006-2009 as a sociology instructor at Michigan State University.

Bustamante has received awards from a variety of institutions, including grants from the University of Texas-Pan American and Michigan State University and travel grants and fellowships from the National Science Foundation and the Autonomous University of Spain in Madrid.

Bustamante earned an associate degree in social work from Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas (1999). He received a bachelor of arts (2001) and master of science (2004) in sociology from the University of Texas-Pan American and holds a doctorate in sociology from Michigan State University (2011).