Research within the Department of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies examines the way that race, as a system of domination, is intimately tied to issues of gender, class, sexuality, migration, indigeneity, and colonialism. Our faculty and student researchers interrogate historical and contemporary manifestations of white supremacy and explain how systems of domination and acts of resistance create and recreate racial subjects.
Research Across Disciplines
The Department of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies is interdisciplinary by nature, and our faculty members often engage in research across multiple disciplines.
INDIGENOUS, RACE AND ETHNIC STUDIES - In spring 2025, Assistant Professor Lana Lopesi received the Ersted Award for Distinguished Teaching in recognition of her early career excellence. Lopesi said the award was affirming for her because teaching can feel like a private exercise between her and her students, invisible beyond the classroom. Since joining the UO, she has developed five courses within her department and helped put together the first IRES study abroad program to Sāmoa in partnership with political science professor Ronald Mitchell.
INDIGENOUS, RACE AND ETHNIC STUDIES, NATIVE AMERICAN AND INDIGENOUS STUDIES - An exhibit curated by Felix Furby and Anthony Hudson at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, showcases Indigenous and Queer artists and their work about their intersectional identities. IRES graduate student Rachel Cushman spoke at an Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration at the museum, as reported by the Daily Emerald.
Eight faculty members have been selected to win this year’s Distinguished Teaching Awards, which recognize exceptional teaching at the University of Oregon. The 2024-25 recipients are Lana Lopesi, Adell Amos, Mohsen Manesh, Marli Miller, Damian Radcliffe, Corinne Bayerl, Amanda Wojick and Naoko Nakadate.
