Elsa González Simón is a senior lecturer at London Metropolitan University in London, UK, with academic interests centered on political and social activism, particularly its intersection with gender. She approaches this area through creative methodologies and lived experiences, exploring how activism shapes identity and social change.

As a Visiting Scholar at Rutgers University–Newark, she will research the experience of social participation in the 2020s, focusing on how communities in Newark engage in activism and public life. Her project examines the stories and strategies of individuals involved in activism, critically exploring how gendered and cultural experiences influence the ways people mobilize, resist, and respond to contemporary social challenges.

She is eager to collaborate with scholars and activists in the U.S., develop research partnerships, and engage with local communities. As a Spanish scholar, she looks forward to learning about the experiences of Spanish-speaking communities in the U.S. and their cultural contributions to activism.

Personally, she is excited to immerse herself in academic and social life at Rutgers and looks forward to connecting with the community, including a visit to the ice rink for some skating. She hopes her time in the U.S. will build lasting collaborations between the U.S. and the UK and enrich her teaching and research.

This award is sponsored by the US-UK Fulbright Commission.