Research

Aren't people fascinating? Why do we behave the way we do? What motivates our actions? And how can we best understand ourselves? As a broadly trained sociologist, I have always been interested in the social dynamics that influence peoples’ decisions and the impact these decisions have in the world, be it in educational, economic, organizational, or political spheres.

Answering questions about people's actions and behaviors is easy -- if you have the right tools.

There is great value in the variety of systematic social science methods there are to learning about the patterns in our shared behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and motivations. Social science provides the best toolkit for better understanding how and why people behave as they do. As an expert in social research methods and theory, I have led and collaborated on a number of successful analytical projects using a wide variety of approaches and methods, revealing deep social processes. I enjoy assessing data to identify problems and create solutions.

Data is not worthwhile if it is not well-communicated.

Communication – whether presenting at a professional conference, conducting a lecture, or advising stakeholders one-on-one, clear and effective communication is paramount. When communication channels are open, everyone is better informed, empowered, and productive. It is my goal to remain in close communication with stakeholders.

Collaboration leads to innovation.

I am a social scientist with substantial experience conducting both independent and collaborative projects. I am also skilled in conducting analyses using a variety of approaches. I combine knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research design to promote rigorous, actionable research. Whether it be in my own work, or in my teaching about sociological perspectives, or in my research mentorship, my ability to collaborate in a team work dynamic has enabled me to generate highly-relevant insights about our social world.

My research perspective lives at the intersection of sociology of race, racism, and education: What are the racialized social experiences of Latinxs? How are these experiences related to the social reproduction of inequalities? And how do we address these inequalities? My dissertation project, which I am currently developing into a series of articles, examines the academic and social experiences of Latinx college students. Some of my ongoing work examines the role of urban inequities in education on the quality of life of Latinx Chicagoans.

2023. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL.

2016. American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. “The College Experiences of Latinas in Ethnic Sororities: Culture Shock, Marginalization, and the Positive Response of Embracing Ethnicity.” Seattle, WA.

2016. Latina/o Studies Association Conference. “We Found Each Other and We Feel Good Now: Latina/o Belonging in White Racial Places.” Pasadena, CA.

2016. Higher Learning: Race and Post-Secondary Education Conference. “Race, Racism and Identity: Communities of Resistance in White Places.” Duke University, Durham, NC.

2015. Southwestern Social Science Association. With JuYin Helen Wong. “Mexican American Racial Identification and Proximity to the U.S. Mexico Border.” Denver, CO.

2015. Southwestern Social Science Association. With Gabriel Amaro. “Poverty and Inequality in the Rio Grande Valley.” Denver, CO.

2012. Southwestern Social Science Association. “Organizations and Immigration in the Context of Gentrification.” San Diego, CA

2010. Chicago Ethnography Conference. “Shifting Borders: Boundaries, Sentiment, and Gentrification.” DePaul University, Chicago, IL