Speakers
Dr. Martinez-Ramos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Texas State University. Dr. Martinez-Ramos earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Sociology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and a B.A. in Child Development from San Jose State University. Her research has focused on the consequences of social factors on health and well-being, and to what extent social and cultural factors affect health. Dr. Martinez’ research interests include Social Stratification, Race, Class and Gender, Sociology of Health, Illness and Aging, Latino Sociology and Qualitative Research Methodology. She has published in Advances in Social Work , Camino Real: Estudios de las Hispanidades Norteamericanas, Journal of American College Health, Sociological Inquiry and Journal of the Poor and Underserved. Her research has contributed to a new critical realism in the sociology of the body and illness experience of cancer narratives and the lasting long-term effects that surgery and treatment have on their gender identities. Her research on cancer health disparities among race and ethnic populations has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of social and cultural factors such as stigma, life stress and loss, social support, and community empowerment in health studies. In 2016, Dr. Martinez-Ramos was awarded the Excellence in Diversity Award and the College of Liberal Arts Excellence in Teaching Award at Texas State University.