Justin Ibañez

Justin Ibáñez is a graduate student in the Latin American Studies M.A. program at the University of Arizona whose research is centered around cultural production with a focus on Mexico. He received his bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has his roots in the Coastal Bend region of South Texas and Tamaulipas, Mexico. Justin's research interests involve a thorough examination of cultural production in modern Mexican society. He has previously conducted research on various subjects such as gastronomy and sports, delving into the origins of these cultural pillars and their ongoing significance in the lives of the Mexican population. Justin is currently focused on researching astronomy and its significant influence on the sociocultural landscape of Mexico. His goal is to advocate for the continual promotion and education of astronomy in Mexico by showcasing how comprehension of space and the cosmos is deeply interwoven with Mexican history and society, spanning across the past, present, and future. Through his research, Justin aims to illuminate the diverse aspects of Mexican culture and raise social consciousness about the multidimensional aspects of space, place, identity, and indigeneity within this culture. Furthermore, his research integrates fields of study such as History, Sociology, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, and Comparative Literature. Justin not only dedicates himself to his research, but also has a passion for writing fiction. His stories typically revolve around Latin American characters in Latin American settings, with a particular focus on Mexicans and Mexico. He prefers the genre of Science Fiction, aiming to develop intricate worlds and narratives inspired by his lifelong enjoyment of similar works, and infused with elements from Mexican culture and history.