Professional Title:
Ph.D. Candidate
Email:
Education:
- Certificate of Veteran Studies - University of California, Irvine
- Certificate of Diversity and Inclusion - Cornell University
- Master of Arts, Public Policy - California State University, Northridge
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science - California State University, Northridge
Research Interests:
Karla’s research examines the effects of public policy on post-9/11 military families, with a particular focus on the challenges of military spouse employment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among combat veterans and veteran family support.
Bio:
Karla Seijas is a Ph.D. Candidate who studies political and cultural anthropology under the guidance of Professor Robin DeLugan. She is a scholar and advocate specializing in public policy and military and veteran families. Her dissertation research focuses on the structural barriers that contribute to the unemployment and underemployment of post-9/11 military spouses. She has been instrumental in shaping policy, with her legislative initiatives introduced in the California legislature, including the successful passage of legislation signed into law that expands access to higher education for disabled veteran dependents.
Beyond academia, Karla’s ability to translate research into actionable policy has led to her actively advising policymakers and organizations on issues related to veteran transition, military family support, and public policy reform. She has served in various leadership roles, including as an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow, a Political Advisor to the Government of Israel, Public Affairs Specialist for the Commander (rank of Lieutenant General) of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command and Transition Counselor for active-duty service members preparing to exit the military. She has also taught in the Department of Political Science at Georgia Military College.
Research Areas:
Disciplines:
