Anne-Marie Núñez
Professor of Higher Education
Dr. Núñez’s award-winning research employs sociological approaches to explore how multiple social identities (e.g., racial, ethnic, class, linguistic) shape educational opportunities in diverse contexts. These contexts include college outreach programs, different higher education institutional types, and various policy environments. She focuses on (1) postsecondary trajectories of Latinx, first-generation, migrant, and English Learner students; (2) institutional diversity in the U.S., including the role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in promoting college opportunities; and (3) building inclusive and equitable environments in STEM disciplines and HSIs.
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A National Model for Evaluating STEM Impact in Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The HSI-CERS NODE (Network Opportunities for Developing Equitable and Effective Evaluation at HSIs) project project is a national effort to help Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) strengthen how they evaluate and improve STEM education programs. Many of these institutions play a critical role in expanding access to higher education for students whose journeys into STEM are shaped by a range of social, cultural, and institutional factors. Funded by the National Science Foundation, NODE brings together educational researchers and data scientists to develop a shared evaluation database, a flexible framework for assessing impact, and targeted professional development for grant recipients. The project also produces national impact reports and research models designed to support institutions in demonstrating results, refining strategies, and informing future investment in STEM pathways where they matter most.
Broadening participation in geosciences. Dr. Núñez has conducted research on organizational and programmatic approaches to building inclusive environments in the geosciences. One program for undergraduates has aimed to broaden geosciences participation at a Hispanic-Serving Institution through integrating research experiences and work-based internships. Another, aimed at faculty and administrators, has focused on building inclusive approaches to leading experiences in geosciences fieldwork. These projects have been funded by the NSF GEO Geosciences directorate through the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education Pathways into Geoscience (IUSE GEOPATHS) and Geoscience Opportunities for Leadership in Diversity (GOLD).