Professor Mindiola’s research, publications, and teaching areas are in race relations, political sociology, and demography with particular emphasis on Mexican Americans. His current research deals with the relationship between Mexican and African Americans, the educational experiences of Mexican Americans in the public school system, and the portrayal of Mexican Americans in film. Professor Mindiola is also a political analyst for Channel 13 television and has written a number of editorials for VIVA Magazine and the Houston Chronicle.

As the director of the Center for Mexican American Studies, Professor Mindiola is credited with developing it into one of the premiere academic programs of its type in the country. Under his direction the center has developed a minor in Mexican American Studies, a Visiting Scholar’s program, Research and Graduate Fellowships, and a recruitment and retention component.

The center also publishes monographs and sponsors research, conferences, lectures, and student leadership retreats. Professor Mindiola is especially proud of the role that the Center has played in increasing the number of Mexican American students and faculty on campus. His vision of the center includes adding an information and policy center, establishing an archive, and obtaining a building. Professor Mindiola considers the developments of Mexican American Studies his life work.