Research

My research interests are shaped by my experiences learning English as a second language, growing up in California with Mexican roots, and encountering the linguistic diversity of the communities and places that have shaped my life. These experiences continue to inform both my research projects and my teaching.

My primary research focuses on documenting and revitalizing endangered and minoritized languages, with particular attention to the historical development of Oto-Manguean languages and the Zapotec language varieties of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico.

I am especially interested in the intersection of descriptive linguistics, archival research, and community language work, as well as in developing and reusing linguistic materials for community and scholarly purposes.

My work supports community-centered language revitalization, reclamation, and maintenance.

Below, you’ll find an overview of my current research and ongoing projects.