Maria Luz Espino, Ph.D.
Research Analyst
Dr. Maria Luz Espino is the research analyst at UCLA’s Center for the Transformation of Schools, where she supports the research initiative of the Community Schools research team, particularly focusing on R-TAC and Foster youth. Prior to working at CTS, Dr. Espino worked as a S-STEM Lead managing and conducting research on engineering identity development among engineering students. Dr. Espino has experience in research and practice with first-generation, low-income systematically excluded students navigating the education pipeline from high school to graduate school. Dr. Espino holds a doctorate degree from Iowa State University in Education, specializing in higher education administration.
