Both parasympathetic nervous system regulation and receipt of social support from close relationships contribute to prosocial development, although few studies have examined their combined influences in adolescence and particularly within racially and ethnically minoritized populations. In this longitudinal study of 229 U.S. Mexican-origin…

Objective: Changes in surroundings and social relationships may heighten feelings of loneliness, suggesting the need to measure as a state. This study tested whether loneliness fluctuates within and across days and the resultant associations with psychological distress. Further it tested familism as a moderator as endorsing this cultural value may…

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore community college graduate lived experience as it relates to retention and persistence. Data was collected from 15 California community college graduates from multiple community colleges who earned an associate's degree and were 18 years of age or older. Collecting participant data provided…

This article examines the foundations of Latina/o/x excellence as a culturally-embedded practice born, taught, and cultivated in the home by the family members of Latina/o/x high school students. The research team conducted a phenomenological study on excellence in the home, school and community of Latina/o/x youth in Southern California. In this…

This dissertation is comprised of two studies that investigate the nuances of parent and peer ethnic racial socialization (ERS). I focus on the dynamic relationship between parent and peer ERS by examining its frequency and effects specifically for Black emerging adults in college as well as uncovering the prevalence of Black college students'…

The Latino population is a rapidly growing group in California, yet the rates of Latino student athletes competing at the NCAA Division I level is maintaining an alarmingly low percentage. The discrepancy in these numbers continues to have a substantial impact on the college completion rate of Latino students. The problem addressed in this study…

A "critical access point in the STEM pipeline for Latinx students and other students of color" (Herrera et al., 2018), community colleges provide a seminal breeding ground for academic pursuits (Bahr et al., 2017). However, how personal networks influence STEM pathways of two-year college students remains largely unexplored. This mixed…

Objective: The study aimed to understand how Latinx immigrant-origin community college students draw upon their funds of identity to persist and transfer. Methods: Utilizing a multimethodological qualitative approach, self-portraits and testimonios were collected from 20 Latinx immigrant-origin California community college students in spring 2022.…

Past research demonstrates that familial and community support can aid the academic success of Latino/a students. However, few studies explore how older siblings influence their younger siblings' education trajectory including primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. Drawing on 25 in-depth interviews with Latino/a first-generation college…

When the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) order was initiated, the career and education outlook for DACA recipients expanded as the legal employment authorization allowed for aspirations and pursuits of higher degrees and consequently career fields commensurate with their education (Abrego, 2018). DACA is approaching its 10th year…

This dissertation was an investigation of how students in two-way bilingual immersion (TWBI) programs construct their bilingual identities inside and outside the school setting, highlighting the unique and multifaceted nature of their language development and cultural identity formation. TWBI programs aim to cultivate bilingualism and biliteracy,…

This study explored how personal, family, and cultural values influence career decision-making in first-generation Latinas. As the number of first-generation Latinas in higher education grows, there is a need to address their distinct needs as they navigate higher education and the career decision-making process. Their experience is unique and…

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand the academic and psychosocial challenges, supports and resources that Latino men who are first-generation college students experience while attending a Hispanic Serving Institution in the California State University system. Theoretical Framework: Latinx Critical theory (LatCrit)…

This research study was a qualitative narrative inquiry study guided through two theoretical frameworks, LatCrit and DisCrit. The experiences of six Latinx elementary school principals as students, educators, and leaders were researched to see how their experiences and knowledge influence their leadership while leading at a predominantly Latinx…

Second-generation Latinx immigrant students in middle school and high school may experience language and reading barriers in education resulting from their cultural upbringing. This study examined the language and reading scores of 2,107 bilingual dominant second-generation Latinx youth participants enrolled in 8th and 9th grade in the states of…