Directors & Staff

Sylvia Martinez

Director

Email:

symartin@iu.edu

Sylvia Martinez is a Professor in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and the Latino Studies program at Indiana University. Her research focuses on Latino/a ethnic identity, Latino/a education, and sociology of education issues more generally.

Sonia Lee

Associate Director

Email:

soslee@iu.edu

Sonia Lee is an Associate Professor of American Studies and Latinx Studies at Indiana University. Her research interests include the civil rights and Black Power movements, Black-Brown solidarities, constructions of race and ethnicity, mental health, substance abuse, trauma and practices of healing within freedom movements.

Jessica Smith

CRRES Administrative Assistant

Email:

crres@iu.edu

Jessica maintains the CRRES office and provides administrative support for the Center’s activities. She assists with the room reservations and scheduling of CRRES events such as the Speaker Series, Coffee with Affiliates, and the Postdoctoral Scholars Program. She makes travel arrangements for CRRES and processes funding requests and reimbursements for the Center. Jessica earned her B.A. in Psychology at Indiana University and brings years of experience in customer service and administrative work to the Center. If you have questions about travel, CRRES funding or reimbursements, room reservations, scheduling, or general inquiries about the Center, please contact Jessica.

Monica Heilman

CRRES Graduate Research Assistant

Email:

crres411@indiana.edu

Monica Heilman is a Ph.D. student in Sociology. She earned her M.A. in Sociology from Indiana University in 2020 and her B.A. in Sociology and Art from the University of Denver. Her research interests include multiracial identity, whiteness, and qualitative methods. At CRRES, Monica manages communications, including the weekly email blast and website, and provides general assistance for the Center programs and events.

Cintia Alaniz

CRRES Graduate Research Assistant

Email:

crresgra@indiana.edu

Cintia Alaniz is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Program. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. Her research focuses on identifying the specific mechanisms that contribute to the success of first-generation Latiné college students. At CRRES she coordinates the Undergraduate Research Program (URP), where she brings her passion for research and mentoring undergraduates. Committed to collaborating with underserved communities, Cintia strives to enhance access to mental health resources. She also conducts research in substance use, addressing critical issues in mental health and well-being.

Anna Sarpong

CRRES Social Media and Outreach Intern

I am a senior in the College of Arts and Science pursuing a dual degree in Neuroscience and in Social Industrial Psychology (Individualized Major). This is my second year working with the Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity Society. I have a variety of research interests centered on studying racial injustice and wellbeing impacts especially in organizations and hiring practices. I creatively approach my interests through various neuropsychological and sociological perspectives. I have major aspirations in pursuing a career that allows me to coach, connect, and empower underrepresented populations and businesses as well as advocate for positive social and medical impact.