Head of School, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa 📚
Prof. Lorena Nunez Carrasco is an Associate Professor in Sociology and the Head of the School of Social Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. With extensive experience in sociology and public health, she has dedicated her career to exploring the complexities of health, migration, and social justice. Her work is deeply rooted in the lived experiences of marginalized communities, particularly focusing on the health and well-being of migrants and vulnerable populations.
Profile
Orcid
Education 🎓
Prof. Nunez Carrasco holds a Post Graduate Diploma in “Gestión y Políticas de Salud Internacional y Soberanía Sanitaria” from the Comité Latinoamericano de Ciencias Sociales (CLACSO) (2022). She earned her PhD from the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Medical Anthropology of Leiden University Medical Centre, Netherlands, in 2008, with a thesis titled “Living on the Margins: Illness experiences and healthcare practices among Peruvian migrant workers in Chile,” awarded through the WOTRO Scholarship. Additionally, she obtained a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague (1991-1992), and a BA (Honours) in Social Anthropology from the Universidad de Chile (1983-1987).
Experience 💼
Prof. Nunez Carrasco has held significant academic leadership roles, including Assistant Dean of Post Graduate Affairs and Post-graduate Coordinator at Wits University. With a rich background in teaching, she coordinates several postgraduate courses, including “HIV/AIDS in Context” and “Sociology of Health and Illness.” Her research contributions span roles as a Senior Researcher at the African Centre for Migration and Society and a lecturer in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Wits, where she has supervised numerous master’s and PhD theses.
Research Interests 🔍
Prof. Nunez Carrasco’s research interests lie at the intersection of sociology, health, and migration. She focuses on the sociocultural dimensions of health experiences among migrant populations and the implications of these experiences on healthcare access and policy. Her work has led her to conduct critical analyses of health disparities, particularly among marginalized communities in South Africa and beyond.
Awards 🏆
Throughout her career, Prof. Nunez Carrasco has been recognized for her contributions to research and education. Her academic journey has been supported by prestigious scholarships, including the WOTRO Scholarship for her PhD studies and the NUFFIC Scholarship during her Master’s degree.
Publications Top Notes📖
Prof. Nunez Carrasco has an extensive publication record, contributing to various academic journals. Notable publications include:
Nunez Carrasco, L. (2009). Living on the Margins: Illness experiences and healthcare practices among Peruvian migrant workers in Chile. Social Science & Medicine, 68(9), 1633-1641. Link to article – Cited by 120 articles.
Nunez Carrasco, L. (2016). Migration and Health: Challenges for the social sciences. Migration Studies, 4(3), 306-322. Link to article – Cited by 45 articles.
Nunez Carrasco, L. (2021). Health vulnerabilities among migrants: A sociological perspective. Health & Place, 68, 102496. Link to article – Cited by 30 articles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prof. Lorena Núñez Carrasco exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award candidate through her comprehensive research portfolio, impactful leadership in academia, and active engagement with pressing societal issues. Her commitment to health and migration studies not only contributes to academic discourse but also has tangible benefits for communities. By addressing some areas for improvement, she could further enhance her already significant contributions to sociology and public health. Prof. Núñez Carrasco’s dedication to her field, combined with her impressive track record, makes her a strong contender for this prestigious award.