UCI professor selected for national honor

A UC Irvine sociology professor has been elected to the National Academy of Education for his work studying students in immigrant families, the university announced Tuesday.

Rubén Rumbaut is the second UCI professor to be selected for the academy, which elects members based on individuals’ outstanding research and effect on educational policy and practice, according to a news release.

Rumbaut is studying differences in education for youth with roots in Ameca, Mexico, who stayed in their hometown, came to the United States with their parents, or were born in California to immigrant parents.

The study also looks at how documented or undocumented immigration status may affect their experience.

Since the 1980s, he has led large projects that gather data from international refugees or other minorities and analyzed how their education experience compares to others in schools across Southern California.

“Professor Rumbaut’s insightful work on the critical role of education in creating an accomplished and diverse populace has key lessons for educators and policymakers,” Barbara Dosher, dean of UCI’s School of Social Sciences, said in a prepared statement. “We are delighted to see his work recognized by this important honor.”

Rumbaut’s past work has been backed by organizations such as the MacArthur Foundation, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

“His studies have transformed our understanding of the immigrant experience,” said David Frank, chairman of the UCI sociology department.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck