Welcome~
I am a professor of sociology and interim chair of the Social Sciences department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Please explore the various tabs to find out more about my academic research, teaching, and efforts to make my community and the world a more just and equitable home.
Vocations
Father, Community Builder, Master Beekeeper, Justice Advocate, Volunteer, Kayak Guide, and Master Gardener.
Current Projects
*Developing a 2+2 program with Hancock Community College
(AA from Hancock, BA from Cal Poly)
Recent Publication on Systemic Racism
Alaniz, R. et. al. (2021). Systemic Racism and Microaggressions in San Luis Obispo County. SLO County Sheriff’s Department.
Book
Alaniz, R. (2017). From Strangers to Neighbors: Post-Disaster Resettlement and Community Building in Honduras. Austin: University of Texas Press.
Appointments
Social Sciences Department, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo
Interim Chair
Professor, Sociology
American University, Center for Latin American and Latino Studies
Religion and Environmental Displacement, Research Associate
Culture and Disaster Action Network (CADAN)
Research Associate
National Center for Institutional Diversity, University of Michigan
Diversity Scholar
University of California-California State University
Knowledge Action Network for Transformative Climate and Sustainability Education and Action
Resilient Communities Research Institute
Research Associate
SLO County Sheriff’s Office Unity Committee
Member
Previous Collaborations
Federal Drought Policy Brief
Co-Author (written for the Obama White House)
Disaster By Drought Summit
Director
Fulbright Fellowship program (State Department)
Program Ambassador
United Nations University-Institute for Environment and Human Security
Research Associate
Academic Specialties and Interests
Disasters: Recovery, Relocation, Resettlement
Community Development and Community Building
Social Change
Latin America (Especially Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador)
Water Scarcity and Drought
Correctional Education (I teach at the SLO county jail and the California Men’s Colony state prison)
Transformative Pedagogy
Contact
Email (ralaniz at calpoly.edu)
Phone: 805.756.6261
Address: Department of Social Sciences
Cal Poly State University
1 Grand Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93407
Ryan Alaniz MA,PhD 