Lecturer
Email: kswift@txstate.edu
Phone: 512.245.8272
Office: ELA 249
Education
PhD | Applied Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
M.A. | International Studies, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
B.S. | Cultural Anthropology, University of Houston Clear Lake, Houston, Texas
Research interests
Veterans, Latinas in the Military, Mexican American Studies, Mexico, Gender and Identity
I am currently collaborating with a museum in my hometown of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, where I am leading a cultural project focused on documenting the oral histories of death practices, rituals, and beliefs of the Teenek community. In addition to this work, I am working in an archaeological capacity by helping to develop and curate archival materials to support ongoing research initiatives for the museum.
My research background spans several interdisciplinary projects, including serving as a Research Assistant with the Department of Veterans Affairs on a multi-site study exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on veteran caregivers. My scholarship also focuses on the experiences of Latina service members and veterans, specifically examining how racial, ethnic, and gender-based violence and discrimination shape their military service. I have also collaborated with faculty to study decision-making processes regarding the treatment of unidentified human remains by law enforcement and agencies in South Texas.
I am deeply passionate about integrating research frameworks and methodologies that authentically reflect and empower the communities involved in or leading the studies. My scholarship is rooted in intersectionality and on theoretical frameworks developed by women of color.
Originally from San Luis Potosi, Mexico and raised in Baytown, Texas. I hold a Ph.D. in Applied Anthropology and a master’s degree in international studies, complemented by prior service in the U.S. Army.
Publications
- Hernandez-Swift, K., (2025), Navigating Nepantla: The Latina Experience in Military and Civilian Spaces. Manuscript in preparation. (Forthcoming)
- Hernandez-Swift, K., (2025), Latina Identity and Military Enlistment: The Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender. Manuscript in preparation. (Forthcoming)
- Penney, Lauren & Noël, Polly & Hernandez-Swift, Karla & Leykum, Luci & Trivedi, Ranak & Dang, Stuti & Kalvesmaki, Andrea & Butler, Jorie. (2022). Challenges and Supports for Veteran Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study. Innovation in Aging. 6. 288-288. 10.1093/geroni/igac059.1147.
- Gauldin, E. M., Hernandez-Swift, K., Long, R., Messick, J., Proffit, T., Tawwater, D., & Brunson, E. K. (2022). Coping on Campus: A Public History of the COVID Pandemic.
Courses Taught
- ANTH 1312 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- ANTH 3336 | Locally Engaged Research
- ANTH 5336 | Community Research Project
- HUMA 1301 | Intro to Humanities
- HUMA 1305 | Intro to Mexican American Studies
- HUMA 2323 | World Cultures