I am a PhD candidate in Political Science at Arizona State University, where I also serve as a Graduate Teaching Associate and an Emerging Scholar at the Center for Latina/os and American Politics Research (CLAPR). My academic and professional interests are deeply rooted in my personal background. Originally from Riverside, California, and raised for part of my life in Mascota, Jalisco, Mexico, I am a first-generation American and first-generation college student.
My research focuses on political sentiment, policy, and representation in the United States as it relates to Latinas/os, immigrants, and other marginalized communities. I am particularly interested in the critical need to better understand and integrate Latino political perspectives, recognizing that meaningful political engagement and representation are essential for the long-term advancement and well-being of Latino Americans and the broader U.S. population.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside. Beyond my academic work, I have experience in outreach and case management, and I am fluent in Spanish. I have a strong interest in contributing to both the nonprofit sector and academia. Additionally, I am a member of Team Michelson, where I collaborate on national research projects aimed at identifying effective strategies to increase voter turnout.