Bio
Miguel Beltran is a system-impacted student-researcher who explores societal factors in relation to neighborhood dynamics, the culture of overpolicing, and the experiences of Chicano males. Before starting Columbia University's sociology master's program, Miguel earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with College Honors from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he sharpened his research skills as part of UCLA's McNair Research Scholars program under the mentorship of Dr. Chris Zepeda Millán. In his McNair thesis, he centered his project on the effects of overpolicing on Chicano males in Southern California, with a specific focus on the neighborhoods in Northeast Los Angeles and Glendale, CA, driven by his commitment to advocate for his community. Miguel's current research focuses on examining the influence of surveillance and technology in New York. He is investigating how these systems affect public trust and safety when it comes to police accountability. He is also a current Beyond the Bars fellow.