At Rider, I’ve continued my research in Latinx literary and cultural studies, which focuses more specifically on identity—namely racial and ethnic identities—and migration. My current research and pedagogy have expanded toward community-based learning practices, which encourage student involvement in public humanities, social justice, and equity-driven advocacy initiatives. In addition to creating connections between my university and broader Latinx communities in central New Jersey, where Rider is located, I’ve also had the chance to co-develop a Latinx Studies minor at Rider. The development of this minor has been an important step toward representing the nearly 20% of students at this institution who identify as Hispanic or Latina/o/x, which closely reflects the ethnoracial demographics of the state of New Jersey. My time teaching for the Latino Studies program at IU, as well as the mentoring and guidance I received in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, has informed much of the work I’ve collaborated in at my current institution.

My time at IU also affected my personal trajectory; I met my husband in the very same department from which I received my Ph.D. We enjoy living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, right on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey border, and exploring all there is to offer in this region with our one-year-old daughter and our dog.