Education
Ph.D. Sociology, Washington State University, 2017
M.A. Sociology, CSU Dominguez Hills, 2011
B.A. Sociology & Behavioral Science (double major), CSU Dominguez Hills, 2010
Biography
As a first-generation college graduate and the son of Mexican immigrant parents from Michoacán, Mexico, Dr. José Luis Collazo Jr. is deeply inspired by the sacrifices, resilience, and experiences of his family and community. Their stories sparked his interest in understanding social inequality and continue to motivate his work as a teacher, researcher, and mentor.
Dr. Collazo's teaching and research focus on immigration, Latiné/x communities, health, social inequality, and work and organizations. His scholarship examines how social structures, institutions, and policies shape opportunities, belonging, and well-being across different populations and social contexts. His work has been published in journals such as Migration and Development, The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, Employee Relations, and Psychology, Health & Medicine.
A central focus of Dr. Collazo's research is the lived experiences of Latin American immigrants and their families. His recent work explores topics such as retirement and aging, remittances, discrimination, and identity & belonging. He is also interested in workplace inequality and studies how organizational environments and managerial experiences influence responses to discrimination.
Dr. Collazo finds his greatest joy in working with students. He values the opportunity to mentor, support, and learn alongside them as they pursue their academic and professional goals. Through research collaborations, conference presentations, and classroom engagement, he strives to help students build confidence, develop new skills, and recognize their potential. He believes that higher education can be transformative and is committed to creating an environment where all students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.
Representative Courses Taught
- SOC 300 Social Inequalities
- SOC 325 Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis
- SOC 335 Latiné/x Realities: Identity, Inequality & Resistance
- SOC 380 Sociology of Immigration
- SOC 495 & 496 Capstone I & Capstone II
Scholarship
Keywords
Development, Discrimination, Immigration, Latin America, Social Inequality, Work & Organizations