Dr. Teddy Cruz

Professor

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Biography

Teddy Cruz is a Professor in the Department of Visual Arts at the University of California, San Diego, recognized internationally for his urban research focused on the Tijuana-San Diego bio-region. He explores critical sites that rethink political economies and public space through social practice. Co-directing the UC San Diego Center for Global Justice alongside Political Science Professor Fonna Forman, Cruz addresses the geopolitical significance of urbanization, social and economic inequalities, migratory shifts, and climate impacts. He leads Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman, a political and civic research-oriented practice that fosters intersections of architecture, art, urbanism, civic engagement, and political theory. His work includes co-direction of the UC San Diego Community Stations, a cross-border network that enhances community engagement in migrant neighborhoods. Among his accolades are the Rome Prize in Architecture and the Ford Foundation Visionaries Award. His published work appears in prominent art and architectural journals, and his exhibitions have been showcased internationally, including venues such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Venice Architectural Biennale. Cruz's contributions continue to challenge exclusion and propose inclusive urbanization strategies, as reflected in his recent publications, including two monographs by MIT Press and Hatje Cantz.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2005-09-01 — Present

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Teaching and research in the Department of Visual Arts.

Awards

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Rome Prize in Architecture

2011-05-01
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Ford Foundation Visionaries Award

2015-02-01
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Global Award for Sustainable Architecture

2018-11-01
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Vilcek Prize in Architecture

2020-10-01

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).