Dr. Espino

Get to Know Me

I am a proud Mexican-American woman from the Southside of Milwaukee, WI, currently based in Los Angeles. I am a proud Badger, Golden Eagle, and Cyclone!

My lived experiences as a queer, first-generation woman from a low-income background mold the way I view the world today. I proudly represent the many communities I call home in my work and everyday life.

An enthusiastic “Disney adult,” I love to spend my time wandering Disneyland whenever I’m not traveling. I also enjoy choosing new bright colors to dye my hair, doodling ideas for my next tattoo, and snuggling with my cats. I’m a major foodie and always appreciate a great restaurant recommendation.

I look forward to getting to know you!

Dr. Espino’s research primarily focuses on the various pathways that systematically excluded students take to navigate higher education.

Her academic training was developed in STEM education pathways, dual enrollment, and identity development. Currently, Dr. Espino’s research is focused on understanding student equity in community colleges, STEM in community colleges, and the community college to graduate school pipeline.

Professionally, Dr. Espino is a Postdoctoral Fellow for the CCHALES Collective at San Diego State University, a Research Analyst for the Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS) at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Researcher at the Education and Employment Research Center at Rutgers University. She uses her expertise to consult, lecture, and mentor her communities. She is also an active member of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), the Council for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC), American Educational Research Association (AERA). 

Areas of Expertise

  • College Access

  • College Retention

  • Community Colleges

  • Student Development Theory

  • (In)equity in Higher Education

  • Identity Development

  • Community Engagement

  • Marginalized Student Success in Higher Education

  • Qualitative Methodology

  • STEM Education

“All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Walt Disney

Let's Connect

Let's Connect