Three social sciences scholars have netted the UCI Graduate Division’s 2017 Tom Angell Fellowships. Selected from among 59 nominees, the recipients each get a $500 prize in recognition of their mentorship activities and dedication to student success. 

Anita Casavantes Bradford (pictured top left), Chicano/Latino studies and history associate professor, is this year’s faculty awardee. The outgoing advocate for first generation college students calls upon her own first gen university experience when advising and mentoring students. She launched an initiative two years ago that aims to train relatable faculty as mentors and allies of students unfamiliar with college culture and she’s spearheading the campus’ overall first gen initiative. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Casavantes Bradford joined the UCI faculty in 2013. She obtained her undergraduate degree in history and English literature at Simon Fraser University. She holds a master's degree in history and politics from Texas A&M University in Kingsville and a Ph.D. in U.S. and Latino/Latin American history from the University of California, San Diego. Her research interests include comparative and transnational Latina/o history, the history of immigration, race and ethnicity, and childhood, family and education.

Alexandra Raleigh (pictured top right), political science graduate student, received her bachelor's degree in political science and psychology from the University of Connecticut, where she conducted research on the psychological analysis of political leaders from afar. Her current research focuses on the dynamics of transitional justice mechanisms during post-conflict transitions. Elizabeth Clark (pictured bottom right), anthropology graduate student, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgetown University. Her current research focuses on gender-based violence, immigration, collective memory, alternative feminisms, Latin America, Korea, transgenerational haunting, Latinos in the U.S., and politics. Both were nominated for excellent commitment to student mentorship and success.

Sociology professor Edwin Amenta also received a faculty commendation for his outstanding commitment to student mentorship.

The award winners will be recognized at the UCI Office for Inclusive Excellence’s Mentoring for Achievement and Excellence reception on Feb 22 @ 2 p.m. in the UCI Student Center, Moss Cove Room B. RSVPs are requested at https://uciadvance.wufoo.com/forms/miw84kc1fxvrdl/.