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M. Isabel Ayala

M. Isabel Ayala
  • Associate Professor
  • Department of Sociology
  • PhD Sociology, Texas A&M University, 2007
  • M.S. Sociology, Texas A&M University, 2003
  • 414B Berkey Hall
  • 509 E. Circle Drive
  • East Lansing, MI 48823
  • 517-353-6614

CURRICULUM VITAE

Isabel Ayala

BIOGRAPHY

María Isabel Ayala is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and former Director of the Chicano/Latino Studies Program at Michigan State University. Ayala’s work calls attention to the intra-group diversity and capital of Latinx people by examining the relationship between their unique and complex racialization and sociodemographic experiences and behaviors. Moreover, adopting strength-based approaches, Ayala explores the role of Latinx identities in reconstructing structures, centering and highlighting agentive and resilient behaviors and cultures in the navigation of physical, symbolic, and social spaces. Her humanistic and social justice commitment and her dedication to inclusivity shapes her research, teaching, and leadership. Ayala is a 2022-2023 OFASD Leadership Fellow and a 2020-21 Big Ten Academic Alliance Academic Leadership Program Fellow.

ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS

Chicano/Latino Studies Program

PUBLICATIONS

Ayala, María Isabel, Magaly Ordoñez and Angelica Ruvalcaba. 2025. “Framing of Latinx Education: An Examination of Spanish Language Newspapers.” Journal of Latinos and Education. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2024.2444933
 
Ayala, Maria Isabel. 2024. “Understanding Latinxs Presence in the United States.” Pp. 187-212 Race and Ethnicity: Sociology in Action, 2nd Edition (Revised edition) edited by Kathleen Odell Korgen, Maxine P. Atkinson. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
 
Ayala, María Isabel and Dana Chalupa. 2022. “Racial Microaggressions and Coping Mechanisms Among Latina/o College Students.” Sociological Forum.             
https://doi.org/10.1111/socf.12785
 
Ayala, María Isabel and Christian Ramirez. 2019. “Coloniality and Latinx College Students’ Experiences Equity and Excellence in Education. DOI: 10.1080/10665684.2019.1635542
 
Ayala, María Isabel. 2019. “Bargaining Power and Cumulative Fertility: Exploring Inter-Racial Differences.” Border-Lines XI: 110-132.
 
Ayala, María Isabel and Sheila Contreras. 2018. “It’s Capital! Understanding Latina/o Presence in Higher Education.” Sociology of Race and Ethnicity. DOI: 10.1177/2332649218757803
 
Ayala, María Isabel. 2018. “The rationalization of college attainment through a color-blind lens among Latina(o) students.” Journal of Latinos and Education. DOI:10.1080/15348431.2018.1478296
 

LINKS

Google Scholar