WHO WE ARE

The SEMILLAS Research Team is committed to producing equity-minded scholarship that is centered on increasing outcomes for disproportionately impacted students. As scholars, we do this through a commitment to each other, to our communities, and to the field of higher education. Our work is driven by love, compassion, and the essence of 'lifting as we climb,' cultivating our seeds (semillas) along the way.  
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Cassandra Horg-Aaron
Ph.D. Candidate | Research, Measurement, & Statistics
University of North Texas

Danielle Huddlestun
Ph.D. Candidate | Education
San Diego State University | Claremont Graduate University

Brayan Astorga
Ed.D. Student | Community College Leadership
San Diego State University

Brooke A. Fousek
Ph.D. Student | Educational Policy & Planning
University of Texas at Austin

Lupita Romo-González
Ph.D. Candidate | Education
University of California, Santa Barbara

Steve Lemerand, Ph.D.
Higher Education
​University of Arizona
Fernando Garcia
Ph.D. Candidate | Higher Education & Organizational Change
University of California, Los Angeles
Marissa Angel
M.A Student | Postsecondary Educational Leadership
San Diego State University
Javier Ramirez 
Ph.D. Student | Educational Policy & Planning
University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Jesse Enriquez 
Associate Director 
California State University Young Males of Color Consortium 
Brenna Leon 
Ph.D. Student | Education
​San Diego State University | Claremont Graduate University
Janay Patton
Ed.D. Candidate | Community College Leadership
​San Diego State University