Natalia Ruiz Junco is a sociologist working in the areas of sociological theory and social movements. She holds degrees from Universidad Complutense (Madrid, Spain) and University of Kentucky. Theoretically, she has a long-standing interest in interpretivist theory. She is currently elaborating ideas about estrangement, strangers and non-citizens. She is also interested in classical Spanish sociological theory. Methodologically, she has developed an expertise in ethnography and ethnographic theory, and has worked as managing editor of the Journal of Contemporary Ethnography. She recently concluded an ethnography focusing on identity, immigrant rights activism and religion. She has published several types of work in outlets such as disClosure, Contemporary Sociology, Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Studies in Symbolic Interaction, and The Oral History Review. At American University, she will be teaching courses in sociological theory at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.