Ph.D. Candidate Kennia Coronado is a 2022 inductee to the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society. The Bouchet Society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. This year’s inductees were selected for their exemplary qualities of scholarship, leadership, character, service, and advocacy for students who have been traditionally underrepresented in the academy.
Kennia’s research interests lie broadly at the intersections of race and ethnicity, political behavior, and political communication. In her dissertation, she investigates the processes and mechanisms under which Latinxs are mobilized to participate in U.S. elections—even when many are ineligible to vote. Coronado’s research interests are motivated by observations she made as a former immigrant rights organizer and as a former Spanish-language radio host. In addition to research, she mentors underrepresented students in on-campus research programs intended to help students obtain experience and guide those interested in graduate programs. Coronado was first introduced to the idea of pursuing a PhD in political science through the Ralph Bunche summer program at Duke University. While an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she was also selected as a McNair scholar. These experiences cemented her commitment to mentor underrepresented students and create more welcoming college environments. Kennia is committed to equity on campus and off campus. She actively participates in ways to better support underrepresented students in her department and the classroom. Coronado received a campus-wide Early Excellence in Teaching Award for her teaching in the “Politics of Multi-cultural Societies” course in the Spring of 2020. She is an active member of her community and sits on boards and committees that advocate for the equity of BIPOC communities across diverse issues.
Congratulations, Kennia!
For more information about the Bouchet Society, visit https://grad.wisc.edu/diversity/bouchet/.