Official Blog | UCGPC

Sandra Oseguera Sotomayor Ph.D. Candidate in Anthropology at UC Berkeley

Advocate for Equity | Researcher | Community Leader

Meet Sandra Oseguera Sotomayor, a Ph.D. candidate in Anthropology at UC Berkeley whose work explores the complex and enduring relationships between humans and their environments. Her research focuses on long-term human-environmental interactions in Oaxaca, Mexico, shedding light on how communities have adapted to and shaped their surroundings over centuries.

Sandra brings the same deep thoughtfulness and commitment to her advocacy work as she does to her scholarship.

A Voice for Basic Needs and Public Safety

As the External Affairs Vice President (EAVP) of the UC Berkeley Graduate Assembly, Sandra is a tireless advocate for equitable access to basic needs. She works to ensure that all graduate students—regardless of background—have the resources and support they need to thrive. From food security to housing and mental health, she’s committed to improving the overall quality of life for graduate students across the UC system.

Sandra also serves as Co-Chair of the ASUC-GA Joint Public Safety Committee, where she collaborates with campus leaders and students on initiatives to improve safety, build trust, and promote community-centered approaches to public safety.

Her leadership is informed by a strong sense of justice, community, and a commitment to structural change.

Scholarship with Global Impact

As a CONACYT-UC MEXUS Fellow, Sandra’s academic work builds cross-border connections between Mexico and the United States. Her research offers valuable insight into sustainability, resilience, and the histories of Indigenous and rural communities—contributions that are increasingly vital in the face of today’s global environmental challenges.

“Our role as graduate students extends far beyond the classroom. Whether in research or advocacy, I’m committed to creating inclusive, just, and supportive environments where all students can succeed.”
– Sandra Oseguera Sotomayor

Connect with Sandra at eavp-ga@berkeley.edu to learn more about her research, advocacy, and work to uplift graduate student communities across the University of California.