Ramona Gonzalez is a musician, Ph.D. candidate, and Assistant Professor of Music at Occidental College. Her forthcoming dissertation, Why Sad Song?: Women’s Laments in Popular Music, aims to revitalize the study of women’s lament—a musical expression central not only to the historical processing of grief, but also to female creativity. As recording artist Nite Jewel, Ramona has released five studio albums, for which she has received accolades from outlets such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR, and The Guardian.