Amy Nunez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Teacher Preparation
Phone: (509) 865-0723
Ext: 2132
CURRICULUM VITAE
Amy J. Núñez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Heritage University
3240 Fort Road
Toppenish, WA 98948
Work: (509) 865-0723
Email: Nunez_a@heritage.edu
EDUCATION
2023 Ph.D. – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
History, Philosophy, & Policy in Education with a specialization in
Education Policy Studies
Minor: Latino Studies
Dissertation Title: “I Wish They Knew We Existed”: The Academic Experiences of Latinx College Students in Mixed-Status Families
Dissertation Committee: Dr. Sylvia Martinez (Chair), Dr. Barbara Dennis,
Dr. Lucy LePeau, Dr. Alberto Varon
2019 M.S.Ed. – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
History of Education/Philosophy of Education
Cumulative GPA: 3.975
2015 B.A. – Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
Literacy, Reading & Writing – Elementary Education Spanish
Minor: Chican@ Studies
Cumulative GPA: 3.81
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
2023-Present Assistant Professor, Teacher Preparation Program
Heritage University, Toppenish, WA
SCHOLARSHIP
Book Chapters:
Martinez, S., & Nuñez, A. J. (2023). “I always get deleted from the analysis”: Multiracial Latinx students navigating racial/ethnic identity. In Maria Villasenor & Hortencia Jimenez (Eds), The Latinx Experience: Interdisciplinary Perspectives.
Book Reviews:
Nuñez, A. & Martinez, S. (2025). [Review of Banned: The Fight for Mexican American Studies in the Streets and in the Courts by N. L. Cabrera & R. S. Chang]. Teachers College Record.
Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts:
Nuñez, A. (2024). Multigenerational Punishment and its Impact on Academics: Latinx/a/o College Students Protecting Undocumented Parents at All Costs. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, 24(2), 117-138.
Martinez, S., & Nuñez, A. J. (2023). “I Am Not Latino Enough”: Latinx Ethnic Identity and Participation at La Casa. Journal of College Student Development, 64(4), 439–453.
Nuñez, A. & Holthaus, G. (2017). In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students: A Policy Analysis. Journal of the Student Personnel Association at Indiana University, 47-63.
Nuñez, A. & Meraz-Garcia, M. (2017). Perceptions of College among Latino/a Elementary Students. SAGE Open, (4)7,1-10.
Manuscripts in Preparation:
Nuñez, A., Zamudio-Orozco, L., Mendoza, J., & Leyva, M. (In Preparation). Reflections from McNair Scholars: Latinas Navigating Graduate School as First-Generation College Students
ACADEMIC RESEARCH & PRESENTATIONS
Nuñez, A., Zamudio-Orozco, L., Mendoza, J., & Leyva, M. (2025). Reflections from McNair Scholars: Latinas Navigating Graduate School as First-Generation College Students. Paper accepted for presentation at the 2025 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, Denver, CO.
Nuñez, A. (2024). “I Wish They Knew We Existed”: The Academic Experiences of Latinx College Students in Mixed-Status Families. Research presentation as part of the Faculty Scholarship Series at Heritage University, Toppenish, WA.
Nuñez, A. (2024). “I Wish They Knew We Existed”: The Academic Experiences of Latinx College Students in Mixed-Status Families. Invited to present as a recipient of the AAHHE & ETS Outstanding Dissertation Competition, Virtual Webinar.
Nuñez, A. (2024). “I Wish They Knew We Existed”: The Academic Experiences of Latinx College Students in Mixed-Status Families. Invited to present at the 2024 American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Nuñez, A. (2023). “I’m S(CARE)d Too:” Latinx College Students Prioritize Cariño for Undocumented Parents in Higher Education Decisions. Paper accepted for presentation at the 2023 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
Nash, A. M., Perrone, F., & Nuñez, A. J. (2022). Reflections on programs’ intentions to diversify the principal pathway. Research presentation at the 2022 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA.
Nunez, A. & Martinez, S. (2022). Reflections from a Faculty Mentor and Graduate Student Mentee: Two Latinas Decolonizing the Mentoring Relationship. Research presentation at the 2022 American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) National Conference, Henderson, NV.
Nuñez, A. (2021). Powerful Voices Emerging from the Shadows: The Academic Experiences of Latinx College Students in Mixed-Status Families. Research Presentation at the 2021 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Virtual Annual Meeting.
Nuñez, A. (2021). Latinx History. Professional Workshop at the Indiana Latino Leadership Conference, University of Southern Indiana and Indiana University Bloomington, Virtual Conference.
Nuñez, A. (2019). Navigating a Difficult Road: The Perceptions of Graduate School among Latina/o Undergraduate Students. Research Presentation at the 45th Annual Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) Conference, Portland, OR.
Martinez, S. & Nuñez, A. (2018). “I Am Not Latino Enough”: The Role of Latina/o Ethnic Identity in Participation at La Casa. Research Presentation at the 2018 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, New York City, NY.
Nuñez, A. (2018). Revisiting the Clark Doll Experiment: How Identity Impacts the Education of Latin@ Children. Professional Workshop at the Indiana Latino Leadership Conference, Indiana University, Kokomo, IN.
Nuñez, A. (2016). Perceptions of Graduate School Among Latino/a Undergraduate Students. Research Presentation at the Diversity Challenge Conference: Race, Culture, and Educating Our Youths – Developing Whole People Not Widgets,Boston College, Boston, MA.
Núñez, A. (2015). Parents, Teachers, & the Educational System: The Disconnect Between Perceptions & Realities on the Education of Latino/a Children. Research Presentation at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA.
Núñez, A. (2014). Perceptions of College among Latino/a Elementary School Students. Research Presentation at theNational Conference of Undergraduate Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Núñez, A. (2014). The Clark Doll Experiment: How Race/Ethnicity & Gender Influence the Perceptions of Pursuing College in Washington State. Invited Presentation for the Women’s and Gender Studies Department, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA.
Núñez, A. (2014). The Clark Doll Experiment: Attitudes on Self-Perceptions among Latino/a Elementary School Children in Washington State. Research Presentation at the Pacific Northwest Political Science Association Conference, Bend, OR.
Núñez, A. (2013). The Cuban Educational System. Research Presentation at the Student Research and Creative Works Symposium, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA.
Núñez, A. (2012). Secondary Education in the Yakima School District. Research Presentation at the Pacific Northwest Political Science Association Conference, Portland, OR.
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
2025 Keynote Speaker, Eastern Washington University, Chicano Education Program
2025 EWU Latino & Chicano Graduation, Cheney, WA
2025 Keynote Speaker, Hispanic Academic Achievers Program (HAAP)
32nd Annual HAAP Scholarship Banquet, Yakima, WA
2025 Guest Speaker, “Immigration in the U.S.,” Columbia University, School of Social Work
Social Welfare Policy Course, Virtual
2025 Presenter, “Humanizing Immigration,” Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery Decolonization and Organizing for Systems Change Training, Toppenish, WA
2024 Keynote Speaker, Eastern Washington University, Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program 2024 McNair Spring Celebration, Cheney, WA
2023 Panelist, Eastern Washington University, Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
EWU McNair Latinx Scholars Panel, Virtual
RECRUITMENT
2024-2025 Faculty Recruiter, Heritage University Teacher Preparation Program
Create a presentation to highlight the Teacher Preparation Program at Heritage University, write a scholarship proposal, apply for state and local grants, visit high schools and community colleges across the state of Washington, develop recruitment materials, present and table at events to promote our program.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT EXPERIENCE
2021-2022 Research Assistant, IU Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Assist Dr. Frank Perrone (IU) and Dr. Angel Nash (Chapman University) with editing 17 interview transcriptions, recruiting participants, and conducting seven interviews. This ongoing research study explores ways to improve diversity in school leadership through education leadership preparation programs.
2021 Research Assistant, IU Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology
Virtually conduct one interview and one focus group with students who are BIPOC in the department to provide a safe space for them to share their experiences and provide recommendations. This was part of the department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
2019 Research Assistant, IU Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Assist Dr. Sylvia Martinez analyze 53 semi-structured interviews to explore how Latinx/a/o undergraduate students navigate their ethnic identities at La Casa.
2017 Research Assistant, IU Department of Sociology
Assist Dr. Dina Okamoto with translating two interviews from English to Spanish for a study on the ways that low-income Latina immigrant mothers negotiate access and opportunity to local public resources.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2021-2023 K-12 Substitute Teacher, Yakima School District, Yakima, WA
Implement teacher’s lesson plans and classroom management strategies.
2023 Adjunct Faculty, Elementary Co-teaching Internship
Heritage University, Toppenish, WA
Supervise and support 11 pre-service teachers with the principles of learning and instructional techniques in elementary classrooms during their student teaching.
2022 Adjunct Faculty, Foundations of Education & Learning Theory
Heritage University, Toppenish, WA
Create a syllabus and teach curriculum related to the social, historical, political, ethical, and legal background of U.S. public and private education.
2020 Teaching Assistant, Latinas in the U.S.
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Assist with grading reading responses and documentary reflections as well as provide feedback on students’ writing.
2019, 2020 Course Instructor, La Lucha Sigue: Latinxs in U.S. Education
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Design and teach an online curriculum which provides an overview of the educational status of Latinx students in the U.S. P-16 educational system.
2017 Course Instructor, College 101, Balfour Scholars Program
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Create and teach a curriculum for upcoming seniors in high school about the college application process, including topics such as financial aid and scholarships, applying to college, and the college experience.
2016 Teaching Assistant, Qualitative Inquiry in Education
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Assist in grading and commenting on weekly online discussion posts, as well as support students with their field research projects throughout the semester.
2015 Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Chicano Studies
Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
Assist in grading papers, creating questions for the mid-term and final exams, keeping attendance records, and giving presentations on my research in class.
2014-2015 Student Teacher, Fourth Grade
Linwood Elementary School, Spokane, WA
Create lesson plans in science, math, social studies, reading, and writing for fourth grade students and utilize these lesson plans as a guide when teaching.
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
2017-2020 Graduate Assistant, IU Higher Education & Student Affairs Program
Work with the HESA Program Chair and the Masters’ Program Coordinator to design, implement, and assess programs associated with orientation, recruitment, community building, and professional development for HESA students.
2019 Graduate Assistant, INSPIRE Living-Learning Center
Manage communications, supervise pre-service teachers on an audio storytelling project, assist with administrative tasks, and assist with event planning.
2019 Advisor, IU University Division, New Student Orientation
Provide advising, student support, and registration information to incoming students during New Student Orientation.
2016-2018 Graduate Student Counselor, Balfour Scholars Pre-College Academy
Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to high school juniors during the Balfour Scholars Pre-College Academy for first-generation college students.
2016-2017 Graduate Assistant, La Casa (Latino Cultural Center) at Indiana University
Provide administrative, programming, supervisory, and other necessary support to ensure the successful completion of daily duties for La Casa.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2025 Faculty Day, Heritage University Professional Development Committee
Faculty Day provides a space for faculty to discuss current issues in higher education and best practices for teaching and learning.
2022 Classroom Climate Workshop, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at IU
The purpose of CCW is to provide an overview of key concepts surrounding equitable and inclusive teaching and how to apply these concepts to teaching, grading, and other instructional work on campus.
2022 Introduction to Grant Proposal Writing Boot Camp, IU GradGrants Center
This boot camp is a four week, online (Canvas-based), self-paced course to help students develop and organize grant proposal essentials for current and future use.
2021 Turning Your Research Into Action (TYRIT), Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL)
This workshop series is designed to guide instructors through the basic elements of course design, including designing a syllabus, discussing and practicing effective teaching strategies, and implementing course design fundamentals.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
2022-2025 American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE)
2018-2025 American Education Research Association (AERA)
2016-2025 National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD)
2019-2022 Indiana University Student Personnel Association (IUSPA)
2019-2020 Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE)
AWARDS & HONORS
2024 Yakima Herald’s 39 Under 39, Recipient
Yakima Herald’s 39 Under 39 special section highlights individuals who are 39 and under working to support and benefit the Yakima Valley through leadership in agriculture, business, public service, advocacy, religion, community, education and healthcare.
2024 AAHHE & ETS Outstanding Dissertation Award, Recipient, Awarded $1000
The AAHHE & ETS Outstanding Dissertation Competition provides an opportunity to spotlight top doctoral students and reward excellence in doctoral-level Hispanic student performance.
2021 Dr. Carole A. Ames Fellowship, Recipient, Awarded $3,132
The Dr. Carole A. Ames Fellowship supports one graduate student in the School of
Education to assist with travel to national or international research conferences and/or pay for expenses related to the student’s research project.
2018 IU Latino Faculty and Staff Council Award, Nominee
The Latino Faculty and Staff Council (LFASC) Latino Awards recognize Indiana University undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff whose efforts have contributed to a positive campus environment in tandem with helping support retention of Latinos at Indiana University.
2018 IU Building Bridges Award, Recipient
(Collectively as UndocuHoosiers Bloomington)
The Building Bridges Award recognizes people who capture Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision, spirit, and leadership.
2016 Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowship, Indiana University Nominee
The Liebmann Fellowship is granted to a graduate student with an outstanding undergraduate record, who demonstrates financial need and will be attending a designated college or university.
2016 LEAP 1% Scholarship, Recipient, Awarded $5,000
The LEAP1% Scholarship Fund provides financial support for students who exhibit financial need, demonstrate a sense of obligation to improving or advancing the community, and are committed to achieving educational and leadership goals.
2016 Educational Opportunity Fellowship, Recipient, $2500, Award Declined
The Educational Opportunity Fellowship is designed to assist graduate students experiencing acute financial need with limited or no financial support. This award was respectfully declined due to guidelines requiring the EOF to be cancelled if additional funding with greater value is received.
2015 Proffitt Fellowship, Recipient, Awarded $43,304
The Proffitt Fellowship is a prestigious and highly competitive one-year award for beginning doctoral students who have demonstrated strong credentials and high levels of accomplishments.
2015 Ronald E. McNair Scholar, Recipient, Awarded $2,800
The goal of the McNair Program is to increase the attainment of PhD degrees by students from underrepresented segments of society.
2014 EWU Student of the Year Award, Nominee
The Student Leadership Excellence Awards are meant to acknowledge and celebrate students and their contributions to our community.
GRANTS & FUNDRAISING
2022 IU GPSG Travel Award, Awarded $500
The Graduate & Professional Student Government (GPSG) Travel Award is a competitive award aimed at supporting graduate & professional students with travel expenses to conferences at which the student’s work will be presented.
2022 Drs. William W. and Carol E. Malloy Travel Fund, Awarded $800
The Malloy Travel Funds support travel Ph.D students who engage in significant national or international research and demonstrate potential for leadership in education.
2022 IU ELPS Department Doctoral Student Travel Award, Awarded $200
This award supports travel expenses for doctoral students to attend professional conferences for university business and student professional development.
2017 OVPDEMA Grant, Awarded $3,000
This grant was awarded to the Latino Enhancement Cooperative from the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs to provide funds for the Indiana Latino Leadership Conference.
2017 Metz Grant, Awarded $500
This grant was awarded to UndocuHoosiers Bloomington in order to provide funds for UndocuStudents Week at Indiana University.
2017 UndocuHoosiers Bloomington Fundraiser, Fundraised $3,500
Through our fundraising efforts, UndocuHoosiers Bloomington was able to provide five scholarships to undocumented/DACA students at Indiana University.
2014 EWU Education Grant, Awarded $851.99
This grant was awarded for travel expenses from the College of Arts, Letters, and Education to conduct research on “The Perceptions of College among Latino Elementary Students.”
SERVICE TO NATIONAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
2024-2025 Journal Reviewer, Journal of Hispanic Higher Education
SERVICE TO THE INSTITUTION – HERITAGE UNIVERSITY
2025 Faculty Advisor, HU MEChA Student Organization
2025 Committee Member, HU Ad Hoc Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee
2024-Present Chair, Professional Development Committee
2024-Present Committee Member, Institutional Review Board (IRB) Committee
2024-Present Committee Member, Ad Hoc Student Learning Assessment Committee (SLAC)
2024-Present Committee Member, Committee on Library, Information Resources & Instructional Technology (CLIRIT)
2024 Presenter, Faculty Day, General Session 2: Black Excellence in the Classroom
2024 Volunteer, New Student Orientation
2024 Co-Interviewer, Faculty Search Committee for Social Work Program
2023 Volunteer, FAFSA Friday
SERVICE TO THE INSTITUTION – INDIANA UNIVERSITY, BLOOMINGTON
2016-2023 Member, Latinx/a/o Graduate Student Association (LGSA)
2019-2022 Journal Reviewer, Indiana University Student Personnel Association (IUSPA)
2022 Presenter, “How to Create a Workshop Proposal”, Professional Pláticas Series
2018-2019 Graduate Student Representative, Educational Policies Committee
2017-2019 Co-President, Ballet Folklórico at Indiana University
2017, 2019 Research Mentor, Cesar Chavez Undergraduate Research Symposium
2016-2019 Facilitator, Latina Initiative
2019 Facilitator, IUnity Summit
2018 Presenter, Balfour Scholars DACA Presentation
2018 Volunteer, FAFSA Night
2017 Co-Organizer, Nuestras Raíces
2017 Co-Presenter, “How to Get to Graduate School” Workshop
2016-2017 Advisor, Student Organization: Latino Enhancement Cooperative
2016 Event Coordinator, Día de los Muertos
SERVICE TO THE INSITUTION – EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
2015 Mentor, College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP)
2014 Conference Chair, 4th Annual Izcalli Calmecac MEChA Conference
2012-2014 Event Coordinator, Día de los Niños
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
2025 Board Member, Yakima Hispanic Academic Achievers Program (HAAP)
Serve as a member on the HAAP Board of Directors. HAAP aims to provide a springboard for Hispanic students and their families to strive for a better life through education.
2024-2025 Co-Organizer, YVC x Heritage University Since Time Immemorial (STI) Series Partner with Yakima Valley College (YVC) to organize a two-part series on the topic of the Since Time Immemorial Curriculum.
2025 Lead Organizer, Legislative Day
Organize a legislative day for students, staff, faculty, and community members to learn about the legislative process. Participants learned how to write letters to their representatives about issues they care about in their community.
2024 Facilitator, Intersectionality Workshop, Upward Bound Summer Program, Yakima Valley College, Yakima, WA
Facilitated an activity for 9 high school students in which they explored their intersectional identities and how these impact their views and experiences.
2022-2023 Mentor, IU Center of Excellence for Women & Technology Mentor Collective
Serve as a mentor for two students as they navigate their undergraduate studies.
2019 Panelist, Batchelor Middle School Resource Panel, Bloomington, IN
Served as a panelist to discuss resources for accessing a higher education related to scholarships, financial aid, and college prep programs.
2019 Facilitator, Identity Workshop with Batchelor Middle School, Bloomington, IN
Facilitated an activity for 17 middle school students in which they explored their various identities and how these intersect with their education.
2018 Lobbyist, Dreamers in Action, Washington D.C.
Spoke to Indiana state legislators and lobbied for a clean Dream Act for undocumented students.
2018 Guest Speaker, Bloomington North High School, Bloomington, IN
Spoke to several Latinx high school students about how to apply for college.
2016-2018 Treasurer, Undocuhoosier Alliance, Bloomington, IN
Managed financial records for the UndocuHoosier Alliance, an organization which works to serve the needs of undocumented people at Indiana University and the community at large.
2017 Community Organizer, UndocuStudents Week, Bloomington, IN
Worked with a committee to engage the Bloomington community in discussions surrounding challenges impacting undocumented individuals.
2011-2015 Student Ambassador, Latino Educational Achievement Project, Tacoma, WA
Promoted higher education and political involvement among Latino/a high school students during the Annual LEAP Conference.
2014 Community Organizer, WA State Dream Act Rally, Cheney, WA
Coordinated a WA State Dream Act Rally on the EWU campus to educate others of this bill which would allow undocumented students to access financial aid.
2013, 2014 Panelist, McNair Panel for Students of Color Symposium, Cheney, WA
Answered questions from high school students regarding life in college for students of color.
2013 Panelist, Latino Education Policy Forum, Yakima, WA
Participated in a panel of students who discussed barriers to higher education for undocumented students.
2013 Tutor, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), Cheney Middle School, Cheney, WA
Tutored middle school students in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, a college readiness system for elementary students.
2013 Co-Host, “The Voice of the People” Radio Station, Spokane, WA
Co-hosted “The Voice of the People,” a radio channel which airs on KYRS-Thin Air Community Radio, a community radio station which aims to make the public aware of a variety of different social issues.
2010 Volunteer Instructor, English as a Second Language Courses, Cheney, WA
Worked with Spanish-speaking adults to help them understand, speak, and become literate in the English language.