The project is being carried out in 5 work packages (WPs).
WP1: Management and training.
The basic management structure was established in the first week of the grant, in collaboration with both supervisors (in the USA and Israel). With Professor Gershon Shafir's consultation, I developed a Career Development Plan. I regularly met with both outgoing and incoming phase supervisors, both online and in person. I actively participated in three staff education and development workshops organized by IFSO and the Postdoctoral Association at UCSD. These workshops covered various topics, including job talks, building an academic profile on social media, and publishing research. Additionally, I received hands-on training in using the NVivo software at the UCSD library.
I also attended workshops at the ASA 117th Annual Meeting, where I learned how to effectively communicate research findings to drive real-world action. Furthermore, I regularly took part in departmental seminars hosted by the Department of Sociology at UCSD. Due to the start of my program in the middle of the academic year, I was unable to register for the course "Conceptualizing Gender: Methods and Methodologies" as originally planned. Instead, I participated in online public lectures on Gender and Methods at the University of Cambridge and the 9th Annual Summer School IPSA-AISP Associations. I also served as a reviewer for two academic journals. In addition, as part of my efforts to build a future career, I applied for academic positions and was invited to two job talks. Although I was not selected, I continue to apply and pursue opportunities in academia.
Furthermore, I am pleased to mention that I was awarded another research scholarship from the Israel Science Foundation's Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Social Sciences Program.
WP2: Mapping, categorizing and analyzing the phenomenon of ethnic/racial gentrification in the US cities. This involved a comprehensive review of 46 qualitative and quantitative studies on gentrification of communities of color in U.S. cities spanning from 1960 to 2021. My analysis encompassed various ethnic and racial groups, their profiles, geographical locations, preceding policies, and the consequences of gentrification in these communities. Additionally, the analysis provided practical recommendations for policymakers and urban planners to promote culturally inclusive urban development. The research findings resulting from this work were published in the Journal of the American Planning Association and made available as open access resources on zenodo.org and the eScholarship publishing platform for the University of California.
WP3: entails Field Work to analyze ethnic-led gentrification in the Latinx community of Barrio Logan, SD, in the U.S. I expanded my original research to include two additional cities in the USA; Chicago and Los Angeles. This systematic data collection effort included conducting 115 semi-structured interviews and organizing two focus groups with Latino business owners, entrepreneurs, residents, and activists in Boyle Heights, Barrio Logan, and Pilsen. Furthermore, I conducted participant observations from January 2022 to November 2023, actively participating in various local organizations' meetings and cultural, political, and arts events. These organizations included All For Logan (AFL), the Barrio Logan Association, the community planning group, the Chicano Park Steering Committee (CPSC), Neighborhood Council board, and the Pilsen Alliance. Additionally, I reviewed policy documents, which included community plans for the three neighborhoods, alternative programs implemented by community organizations, and records of organization meetings involving business owners (CPSC, AFL, community planning group, and Pilsen Alliance). Finally, I conducted visual documentation of political activism and community development, and in this regard, I created a photographic database comprising 1300 photos.
WP4: Data analysis. All the collected materials were transcribed and analyzed using NVIVO software.
WP5: Dissemination & Communication. So far, I have disseminated the results through various channels, including: 6 conference presentations, 2 publications in peer-reviewed journals (open access), A public talk and tour, open to the general public, Lectures delivered to three NGOs, A seminar for the Homelessness Hub at UC San Diego, aimed at policy makers, urban planners, and students. Additionally, I have submitted 5 more manuscripts for publication or they are currently under review. I have also successfully completed a book proposal. My research was showcased in workshops at Brown University and UCLA, where I actively participated and presented my findings. These efforts have contributed to the dissemination and visibility of my research within both academic and public spheres.
