Hi everyone my name is Lorena Aceves. I am a first generation, Latina. I am Mexicana, daughter of immigrants who migrated to the U.S. My family used to be mixed status, but thankfully that has changed! I earned my doctorate degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Human Development and Family Studies. Before Penn State, I began my research career at the University of Arizona. Bear Down!
Growing up in Arizona, I never imagined that I would pick up and move to Central PA. Although, I admit it has been by far the best decision I have ever made in my life. Being at Penn State provided me not only the best doctorate education in HDFS, but also allowed me the opportunity to learn about the big wide world of a super competitive Research 1 University environment. While, I still loved research in graduate school, I realized that being a professor post graduate studies was not for me. And not because I do not think I was capable, but because I felt that I would be limiting how I could share my talents with the world. This self-exploration and reflection, while challenging (for many reasons), led me to some amazing internships at the U.S Department of Education, where I fell in love with federal service. These experiences at the U.S. Department of Education opened my eyes to the need of scholars of color in all spaces not only academia; which lead me to want to be part of the change that helps add more BIPOCs like myself in non-academic spaces. Thus my first professional endeavor post PhD was to serve as an AAAS/SRCD Federal Policy Postdoctoral Fellow at the Office of Head Start with the Administration for Children and Families. During my fellowship, I learned about the synergy among research, policy, and practice which led me to searching for professional opportunities outside of federal spaces where I could learn more about this synergy. This curiosity led me to my current professional position as a Research Scientist at Child Trends, where I hope to continue to conduct applied research that informs policies and practices, and empowers communities of color particularly Latinx children, youth, and families. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, watching Disney movies, and spending time with my loved ones. I am also a peppy morning person who loves being in bed by 10pm haha |