The School for Cultural & Social Transformation is proud to honor Rosa Pimentel, a senior graduating with dual majors in ethnic studies and gender studies, and Andrea Baldwin, associate professor of ethnic and gender studies, for their outstanding contributions to research and mentorship through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Their work exemplifies the power of mentorship, scholarship, and community engagement.
Rosa Pimentel’s recognition as an outstanding undergraduate researcher celebrates her intellectual depth, resilience, and commitment to rigorous scholarship across multiple projects. As an intern for the Transform Mellon-funded “Affirming Multivocal Humanities” Grant, Pimentel contributed to Formations and Futures: Gender Studies at the University of Utah. Her work on research project involved extensive archival research, data coding, oral interviews, and curating digital content, all of which have been instrumental in constructing a more inclusive institutional history.
Pimentel’s capstone project in ethnic studies explored migration and borders through the lens of her family’s experiences, extending her original theoretical work on ‘The Shadow’ and ‘Shadow Work.’ These theories explore the physical and conceptual spaces which shape minoritized and marginalized experiences across oppressive (and violent) historical and contemporary periods and the ways in which these communities engage and curate practices of care that also emphasize resistance strategies across generations. Pimentel explained, “‘The Shadow’ is an ideological location and ‘Shadow Work’ is made up of the actions and resistance community members engage in via memory and multi-generational ideological and physical migration.” She continued, “These theories use call to action and memory within liminal, marginal spaces as restive acts of care.”
Reflecting on her journey, Pimentel expressed deep gratitude for the mentorship she received in Transform: “I credit the work of Black, Indigenous, and Latinx feminists for the labor of love and future-making that made these projects possible, and especially that of Dr. Baldwin,” said Pimentel. She continued, “Although it’s difficult to summarize the impact of Dr. Baldwin’s mentorship and her joy of the research process, I can confidently say that without the patience and care Dr. Baldwin has given me, I would not be where I am today.” She continued, “Her mentorship follows a pedagogical tradition that provided the radical and resistive space for both joy and grief. I am forever grateful for her.”
Dr. Baldwin’s selection for the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award reflects her unwavering commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. As a first-generation college graduate a Black woman from the so-called global South, and now faculty at the University of Utah, Dr. Baldwin understands the profound impact of mentorship.
“Mentorship was the cornerstone of my success,” Dr. Baldwin shared. “As a mentor to predominantly marginalized and minoritized students, I deeply understand the importance of representation, support, and creating spaces where students feel seen, valued, and empowered. Undergraduate research is a powerful tool for transformation, providing students with the confidence, critical thinking skills, and agency to see themselves as knowledge producers.”
Over the years, Dr. Baldwin has guided students through the complexities of research, empowering them to develop critical skills, engage in meaningful scholarship, and contribute to their fields. Her mentorship extends beyond the classroom, supporting students in presenting research at conferences, publishing their work, and securing competitive funding through programs like UROP, SPUR, and UCUR. Dr. Baldwin has also played a pivotal role in advancing research initiatives across campus, organizing workshops, symposia, and interdisciplinary collaborations that enrich the undergraduate research experience. She explained, “My journey has been shaped by mentorship that affirmed my experiences, and I am committed to offering that same guidance—ensuring that my students not only thrive academically but also recognize their brilliance and sense of belonging in spaces that weren’t always designed for them.”
Reflecting on their journey together, Dr. Baldwin shared high praise for Pimentel’s exceptional academic achievements: “Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring Rosa, and I continue to be impressed by her passion, intellectual depth, and commitment to rigorous scholarship. She is a theorist, poet, and artist whose ability to synthesize information and engage in critical analysis extends well beyond the undergraduate level.”
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Baldwin and Rosa on their well-deserved recognition! Their dedication and achievements are a source of pride for our entire community, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of their work.