Associate Professor & Department Head, Department of Education Studies
Hometown: Sacramento, CA & San Diego, CA
I am: A faculty member working toward educational equity for underrepresented students
Why did you choose UO? And what have you had to get used to in living here? I loved the campus and the department, and my colleagues are great to work with. I've had to get used to the absolute lack of good Mexican food and lack of Spanish music on the radio in Eugene!
Who inspires you the most? Why? My mentor and teacher from San Diego State University Dr. Alberto M. Ochoa. He is a model of what it means to be an ally, a teacher, an advocate, and a friend.
What advice would you give to someone like you who is new to the UO? Or, what advice do you wish you had been given? The UO is a great place to work and learn. Get to know colleagues outside of your department or unit, there is so much going on here and people are very willing to help.
What book do you think everyone should read? Too many to list! I personally like “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” by John Perkins.
How do you think others see you? What don’t they see? What isn’t immediately apparent about what makes you unique? Not sure how others see me. I think I’m pretty predictable and can be read easily. I’m pretty transparent about my opinions.
What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Or, what frightens you? Moving to Oregon. I never thought I would ever leave California! My whole family lives there!
Where do you find joy? What do you do to recharge yourself? I go to California to see my family. My mom lives in Sacramento and my dad in San Diego. It’s my escape from work where I can see friends and family and eat good Mexican food!
What continues to surprise you? That I am a professor and Department Head at the University of Oregon.
What’s the thing you are most proud of in your life? Having gone to college to get two graduate degrees. I’m also proud of my career as a first grade teacher for 10 years in San Diego. I worked very hard to be a good teacher and I’m still in contact with quite a few of my students, many of who are now adults with children of their own.
