Amy Nunez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Teacher Preparation
Phone: (509) 865-0723
Ext: 2132
About
Dr. Núñez (She/Her/Hers/Ella) is an Assistant Professor in the Teacher Preparation Program at Heritage University. She received her bachelor's in Elementary Education at Eastern Washington University where she was also a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. Her graduate studies led her to Indiana University, Bloomington where she received her Ph.D. in Education Policy.
Núñez’ research utilizes qualitative methods with Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Latino Critical Theory (LatCrit) to address barriers historically underrepresented students face in K-12 and higher education institutions, especially students who come from Latinx, low-income, first-generation, DACA, and/or undocumented backgrounds. Her dissertation titled, Powerful Voices Emerging from the Shadows: The Academic Experiences of Latinx College Students in Mixed-Status Families, aimed to identify equitable strategies to better support students in mixed-status families achieve their educational goals.
As a first-generation college student, Latina, and daughter of immigrants, Nuñez is happy to be back in her hometown learning and growing from students at Heritage. She is especially excited to support students on their journey to becoming teachers.
Education
Ph.D., Indiana University-Bloomington
M.S.Ed., Indiana University-Bloomington
B.A., Eastern Washington University
Publications
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.
Martinez, S., & Nuñez, A. J. (2023). “I am not Latino enough”: Latinx ethnic identity and participation at La Casa. Journal of College Student Development.
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.
Research Interests
Education Policy
Equity-Centered Approaches to Teaching & Learning in K-12
Access to Higher Education
United States Latina/o/x/e Education
Undocumented/DACA Students