Maira Álvarez's interdisciplinary work bridges Border Studies, Women’s Studies, Latinx and Latin American Studies, public humanities, heritage language, and Digital Humanities. Her current research examines the militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border[lands] through the lens of literary production by fronteriza authors, as well as multilingual archival materials. Her fellowship research project is titled Border[lands] Militarization. Maira is the 2025-26 JHI Critical Digital Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow.
What are your main research interests?
Growing up along the U.S.-Mexico border has sparked my interest in transborder studies, small data, and archives. Much of the history in this area remains unknown or not publicly accessible, which motivates me to create small datasets that can be analyzed and visualized using digital tools such as maps, exhibits, oral histories, and digital storytelling. The most exciting part of this process is sharing these digital projects with the public and seeing them engage with months or even years of research.
What project are you working on at the JHI and why did you choose it?
I am currently working on a dataset that aims to provide a multilingual, metadata-driven analysis of U.S.-Mexico border militarization. This project incorporates various data types to enhance our understanding of the patterns and impacts associated with militarized borders. At present, I am utilizing primary sources, including newspapers, photographs, and documents from publicly accessible digital archives, with a focus on Operation Wetback (1954). My goal is to make this dataset available for others to explore, whether for educational purposes, research, or personal interest.
How has your JHI Fellowship experience been so far?
I am thoroughly enjoying my fellowship at the JHI. I appreciate our weekly meetings, where we can learn from each other's work and get to know one another better. Everyone’s contributions are inspiring and have significantly helped me explore new ideas for my research. This experience has been enriching and productive in many ways. I feel fortunate to have such wonderful and kind colleagues, and I will truly miss everyone!
Why do you believe the humanities are important?
The humanities help us understand the world around us, both individually and collectively.
Can you share something you read/watched/listened to recently that you enjoyed/were inspired by?
A colleague from the JHI cohort shared with me a presentation titled “Smuggling as Resistance: Transborder Nahua Futurisms” by Federico Cualtlacuatl, which is available on YouTube. The presentation explores the intersection of transborder Indigeneity, migrant Indigenous diasporas, and Nahua futurisms. It is one of those presentations you find yourself revisiting multiple times because it is so insightful. The visual art that Federico presents, along with his discussions on smuggling self-preservation, rematriation, and resistance, has inspired me to revisit my research with a fresh perspective.
What's a fun fact about you?
I have been going through a gardening phase, learning how to create healthy ecosystems in my garden. This journey has involved a lot of trial and error as I figure out which plants are best suited for my climate zone and how they can benefit local wildlife, including critters, birds, and bees. It’s exciting to watch the plants grow and thrive while discovering how some can be used in traditional medicine and cooking. Personally, gardening relaxes me, and I enjoy having a cool oasis during the hot summer months in Texas. I also like visiting local nurseries and connecting with people who share the love for plants and wildlife.