I am an associate professor of sociology, the chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, and the Donald W. and Betty J. Buik Endowed Chair at Elmhurst University. I am a teacher-scholar, and I believe in the power of sociology to reveal truths about the world and open students to becoming more empathetic global citizens.
Research on Migration
The primary thread of my research tells stories about the children and families who migrate to the United States and the regimes of detention and deportation that they often face upon arrival. Major publications include:
Unaccompanied (2022) with NYU Press
Kids in Cages (2024) with University of Arizona Press
Public Sociology
I have shared my research on immgration in a range of public venues, including news outlets, talks in public library systems, and storytelling events.
I turned one research experience into a piece of creative non-fiction, title “The Mother of Exiles,” which explores my time volunteering as an interpreter for asylum-seeking mothers at the border.
Current Migration Research:
- A deep dive into the political economy of third country deportations
- An analysis of Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s social media account
- An exploration of the rhetoric used in 911 calls made by civilians about ICE operations
Research on Gender and Family
While I am a scholar of migration first and foremost, my own life experiences led me to further explorations on motherhood, family and gender. My most recent article in this vein of research is titled: “It Looked Like I Was Going Through a Breakup”: Extinction-Based Sleep Training and the Cultural Dilemmas of Mothering. It was co-authored with my student, Maya Kosiarek.
Complete Curriculum Vitae
Emily Ruehs-Navarro, PhD 