Graduate Student Cielo Uscanga Martinez presents at 30º Congreso Anual Juan Bruce-Novoa de Estudios Mexicanistas, Ecos y territorios de la naturaleza.

Organized by UC Irvine and held at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABC), La Paz, Mexico. Feb 26-28

Cielo says: Attending the 30th Annual Juan Bruce-Novoa Conference on Mexican Studies was an important opportunity to present my research on cultural extractivism and the commodification of Indigenous Mexican spirituality within a specialized academic forum. The conference brought together scholars working in Mexican, Chicanx, and Latin American studies, providing a valuable space to receive constructive feedback from researchers across disciplines. Engaging in these conversations helped refine my theoretical framework and strengthened the broader impact of my project. Additionally, participation in this conference allowed me to connect with peers and scholars who share similar research interests, fostering meaningful academic exchange and potential future collaborations. Presenting my work in this setting also enhanced my professional development, increased the visibility of my research, and contributed to interdisciplinary dialogue on contemporary Mexican cultural production, decolonial theory, and cultural extractivism.