Theresa Rocha Beardall

Assistant Professor - Virginia Tech

Theresa Rocha Beardall (Oneida/Sault Ste. Marie/Mexican) graduated from the College of Ethnic Studies and went on to receive her Ph.D. from Cornell University in Sociology and her J.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Theresa’s research investigates contemporary social ruptures, which she organizes into two interrelated spheres.

In the first sphere, she examines the role that labor law and community activism play in shaping local law enforcement practices, police discipline, and police behavior toward communities of color. In the second sphere, she examines the role of state and federal courts in shifting the legal meaning of tribal sovereignty over time, and the implications of this change for the status of American Indians. Theresa is also a partner and mom of two curious kids that love to hike, bike, and support students at regular campus events. They all travel home to be with family in California as often as possible!