nancy kwak

Collaborating across borders

I enjoy learning about housing policy and sub/urban development around the world, much as I enjoy sharing my own research. I’m one of the original board members of the Global Urban History Project, and I regularly give talks for city leaders visiting UCSD.

Engaging local communities

These days, I’m excited about the work my students are doing. Please take a moment to learn about the Lost Neighborhoods of San Diego project and the LA oral histories project.

Why the arts and humanities matter

I belong to various communities that emphasize the importance of the arts and humanities. Our most pressing problems today demand creative, historically-informed solutions. I served as the director of the Institute of Arts and Humanities at UCSD - a body committed to promoting equity and justice. IAH also emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary work.

Director, Institute of Arts and Humanities, UCSD (2019-22)
Associate Director, Institute of Arts and Humanities, UCSD (2018-19)

Growing through interdisciplinary scholarship

There is joy in learning from colleagues. I was a non-resident fellow at Carnegie California from 2023-2025, and I helped lead a Mellon-funded two-year seminar, faculty and graduate students gathered twice a month to read, discuss, and learn.

Sawyer Seminar Co-PI, UCSD (2018-19)

Understanding admissions

Admissions can be one of the most stressful and least understood parts of the university. Yet study after study shows just how connected college can be to future success. I believe that all students should know how to access these resources.

Chair, Committee on Undergraduate Admissions, UCSD (2018-19, 2026-27)
UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools divisional representative (2018-19)
Board member, PATH, UCSD (2018-)