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Kalindi Vora has been appointed as the new director of the , a special research program of the Office of Research.

She comes to �ٺ���Ƶ from UC San Diego where she served as associate professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies, and as affiliate faculty of the Critical Gender Studies and Science Studies programs. At �ٺ���Ƶ she holds a position as an associate professor in the Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Program.

In an as director of the Feminist Research Institute, the Office of Research said she brings to the position a long history of collaborative, interdisciplinary feminist research, including her second book (in progress), Surrogate Humanity: Race, Technology, Revolution, co-authored with Neda Atanasoski of UC Santa Cruz. 

“Gender is never a standalone category,” Vora said, “but can be a stand-in for difference, which is much more complex.”

Part of the institute’s ongoing mission is to facilitate research that interrogates those complexities and their social implications, and devises tools to meet the challenges of a dynamic, changing world. 

New associate ombuds: Dana Hinojosa

The Office of the Ombuds recently appointed Dana Hinojosa as associate ombuds. She will work with faculty and staff, and facilitate trainings around the campus.

“I’m looking forward to hearing people’s stories,” Hinojosa said. “I am honored and privileged to be able to have some part in relieving stress for people on campus. I’ve been wanting to get into this field for a long time.”

Prior to joining �ٺ���Ƶ, she spent five years at Pepperdine University, most recently as assistant director of learning and engagement, where she worked to increase employee engagement, address conflict and encourage development within the program. She also worked as program coordinator and manager in the Pepperdine law school’s Nootbaar Institute on Law, Religion and Ethics.

Hinojosa holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Westmont College (Santa Barbara) and a master’s degree in dispute resolution from Pepperdine.

— Allyson Tsuji

Interim leaders in 3 FOA units

Kelly Ratliff, interim lead of Finance, Operations and Administration, announced interim leadership in three units where the leaders have retired or left the university:

• Design and Construction Management — Ardie Dehghani, director of engineering, is serving as interim associate vice chancellor pending the arrival of Jim Carroll from Auburn University on Feb. 1, as successor to Clayton Halliday, who retired.
• Accounting and Financial Services — Laura Coletti, associate controller, will serve as interim controller and leader of Accounting and Financial Services, stepping in for Mike Allred when he retires at the end of the calendar year. The university is recruiting for his permanent replacement.
• Shared Services Center — Megan Villasenor, assistant director, is serving as interim executive director for the second time, replacing Sara Reed who has left for the University of Utah.

“Despite losing some incredible leaders in Clayton, Mike and Sara, I’m confident that we are in good hands,” Ratliff stated.