Legacy, Science & Deportation

UC ANR Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 Webinar Series

“A Celebration of Our Dignity, Our Legacy, Our Voice / We Belong. We Build. We Rise.”Legacy, Science & Deportation

Guest: Dr. Adriana Mejía Briscoe – Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, UC Irvine

Dr. Adriana Mejía Briscoe is a world-renowned evolutionary biologist whose research on butterfly genetics and vision has advanced the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. A member of the National Academy of Sciences, she bridges scientific excellence with cultural identity, showing how personal history can deepen our understanding of belonging and legacy.

While tracing her ancestry, Dr. Adriana Mejía Briscoe uncovered a century-old corrido written by her great-great-grandfather about the mass deportations of Mexicans in the 1930s. The discovery connected her personal story to a larger narrative of resilience and displacement in Mexican American history.

Why This Matters

Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a celebration — it is a recognition of resilience, contribution, and the ongoing work to create a more inclusive future. These conversations invite reflection, learning, and connection across cultures and disciplines.

Mark your calendars and register today!
REGISTER HERE or scan the QR code below.

For more information, please contact:
Ricardo Vela, rvela@ucanr.edu, 951-660-9887