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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research focuses on teacher professional development and its impact on teaching. I am particularly interested in generating evidence that contributes to our understanding of how teacher preparation programs shape teachers' professional growth and how that development relates to their students’ experiences and achievement.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
I have had the opportunity to present my research at various academic events. In 2025 and 2026, I participated in the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), held in Denver and Los Angeles, respectively. I also attended the 2026 annual meeting of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) in New Orleans. That same year, I presented my dissertation proposal at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) 2026 Education Research Convening in Austin. In addition, I have participated in various academic events at UTEP, including the College of Education’s Research Symposium 2026, the 3-Minute Thesis 2025, and the Graduate School’s Grad Expo.
These experiences have enriched my academic development by allowing me to discuss my work with a wide variety of audiences, including researchers, professors, students, and other education professionals. Thanks to these opportunities, I have learned to communicate my ideas in different ways and to consider new perspectives and questions regarding my research.
For me, sharing my work in these settings has been much more than just presenting a proposal or the results of a project. It has been a key part of my development as a researcher because it has allowed me to gain practical experience, receive valuable feedback, and, above all, broaden my perspective on educational research and the potential of my own work.
Share with us something interesting about your research that most people don't know.
Something very interesting to me is the impact that teachers' professional development can have on their students and the limited knowledge we have about these processes. We often assume that obtaining a certification or completing a training program is enough for someone to become a good teacher, when, in fact, teacher development is a much more complex process.
Being a teacher involves more than mastering subject matter and teaching skills. It demands a deep understanding of and passion for the profession. Developing these qualities is especially important because teachers largely shape the educational experiences of future generations.
This is why I am convinced that a fundamental aspect of educational quality lies in how we prepare our teachers. To strengthen these processes, we need to understand how our teacher preparation programs are functioning, what we are doing well, and what we can improve to offer meaningful professional development experiences that will ultimately translate into better learning experiences in the classroom.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
Throughout my academic career, I have built very important relationships with my professors and advisors in Mexico. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with some of them on academic and social projects.
One of the most meaningful experiences has been to have them as part of my support network. My doctoral journey has been full of learning, but I have also faced moments of doubt. On those occasions, being able to turn to my former professors for advice has been invaluable. Having that support from Mexico has been essential to my development.
What attracted you to Texas and The University of Texas at El Paso?
Two main reasons led me to choose UT El Paso. The first was my doctoral program. I was looking for a curriculum that responded to my interests and would allow me to conduct research I was truly passionate about. That is what I found in the Teaching, Learning, and Culture program at UTEP.
The second reason was my interest in the Texas education system. I was eager to understand the complexity of a system different from the one I had known in Mexico and to explore how teachers are prepared, evaluated, and supported. I was also drawn to the strong support network available in Texas through the University of Texas System, ConTex, and other organizations that guide students throughout their doctoral journey.
What have been some good things you didn't expect from Texas or UT El Paso?
One of the things that has surprised me most about UTEP—and about institutions in the United States in general—is their strong commitment to research. The way research is organized, promoted, and conducted has broadened my perspective on its possibilities while allowing me to develop new skills as a researcher.
Another aspect that has shaped my experience in Texas and at UT El Paso has been the academic network I have had access to. Being part of The University of Texas System, I have not only had the support of my advisor and other UTEP faculty members. I have also had the opportunity to connect with and learn from scholars at various institutions within the system.
The UTEP Graduate School has also played an important role in my development. Through initiatives such as the mobility grant for attending academic conferences and the Dodson Research Grant, I have been able to access opportunities that have strengthened my education and significantly improved my doctoral research.
Additionally, in 2025, I had the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in Turkmenistan, thanks to the support from the College of Education Dean's Office and the Office of International Programs. Experiences like this reflect UTEP’s commitment to the academic and professional development of its students.
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of this experience has been working with an advisor with whom I’ve developed a strong connection, both academically and personally. Having an advisor whom you can trust and with whom you can develop ideas is especially important during a Ph.D. My advisor has not only contributed directly to my growth as a researcher but has also helped me build a network of specialists in my field. I’ve had the opportunity to learn a great deal from these experts, gain insight into different perspectives, and broaden my view of my own work.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT El Paso and living in the United States?
Communicating in English was one of the biggest challenges. Although my command of the language was sufficient for everyday life, navigating an academic context—with its specific terms and expressions—was not easy. However, it has also been very interesting to observe how my language skills have evolved through constant exposure to this new linguistic experience.
Another major challenge has been uncertainty. No matter how much you plan to pursue a Ph.D. abroad, there’s always doubt about how you’ll adapt to a new language, a new culture, or the food, and about how you’ll manage the academic workload, financial responsibilities, and many other things. But before you know it, as you move forward, you start to adapt without even realizing it. Your habits and routines change, and little by little you find ways to function better in your new environment.
How has the support of ConTex and Secihti impacted you?
The greatest impact of the support from ConTex and Secihti on my academic journey has been the stability it has provided, not only financially but also emotionally. During a doctoral program, concerns about covering tuition, living expenses, or other expenditures can become a constant source of uncertainty. Having this support has allowed me to set those worries aside and focus my energy on my academic studies and research.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future, and how do you hope your research will benefit people in the U.S. and Mexico?
I would love to be a professor and researcher. Above all, I hope to support my students in developing educational research skills and to share my passion for this field.
I also hope my research will contribute to a greater understanding of the importance of evaluating teacher professional development processes. We need to continue asking ourselves what experiences we are offering future teachers, what they are learning from them, and how these opportunities to grow can be strengthened.
I trust that this work can contribute to the improvement of teacher preparation in both the United States and Mexico, because even though these countries have different educational contexts, they share the challenge of preparing teachers who can effectively respond to their students' needs.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
I would tell them to turn their dreams into goals and to work very hard to achieve them. Sometimes it may seem impossible for an ordinary person to do something extraordinary based on something they’re passionate about. However, I believe it’s possible, with effort, sacrifice, and determination.
I would also advise them to surround themselves with people who inspire them, who believe in them, and who encourage them to keep moving forward. Having a strong support network can make a huge difference during an academic experience like this. My advisor for my master’s degree in Mexico was one of those people. Even though several years had passed since I completed my master’s, she continued to believe in me and, at key moments, gave me the push I needed to move forward and dare to take the next step in my academic journey.
Finally, if they are looking for an educational system that fosters their academic and personal growth and provides them with a strong support network throughout the process, based on my experience, the University of Texas System is a great option.
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