Nathan Ellstrand

Nathan Ellstrand is a historian and educator currently serving as a postdoctoral DPAA Research Partner Fellow at San Diego State University, where he supports the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Loyola University Chicago and has a strong focus on twentieth-century political and religious history between the United States and Latin America.

Academic Background

• Ph.D. in History: Loyola University Chicago
• Master's in Latin American Studies: University of California, San Diego

Research Interests

Ellstrand's research primarily examines:

• The Unión Nacional Sinarquista (National Synarchist Union) and its anti-communist, Catholic, and nationalist ideologies during World War II.
• Women's leadership within the Partido Liberal Mexicano (Mexican Liberal Party) during its exile in early 20th century Los Angeles.

Teaching Experience

He has over a decade of teaching experience, having taught courses in public history, U.S. history, and world history at various institutions, including:

• Loyola University Chicago: Teacher of Record and Teaching Assistant.
• University of California campuses: Courses on writing and social justice.

Ellstrand employs Ignatian Pedagogy, emphasizing context, experience, reflection, action, and evaluation in his teaching approach, fostering an inclusive classroom environment where students actively participate.

Public Engagement

Beyond academia, Ellstrand is involved in several public humanities projects:

• Co-founder of the Historians of Catholic Mexico academic network.
• Co-founder and former co-chair of the Immigration Advocacy History Project, focusing on oral histories of immigrant advocates.

He is also a contributor to digital humanities initiatives aimed at documenting borderlands history through the project United Fronteras.

Personal Interests

In his spare time, Nathan enjoys exploring culinary experiences and traveling, reflecting his passion for both education and social justice.

For more details about his work and contributions, you can find his curriculum vitae on academic platforms or professional networking sites.