About
I am a PhD candidate in Linguistics at the University of Michigan, specializing in bilingualism and language contact, with a focus on Spanish-English and Nahuatl-Spanish communities in Mexico and the U.S. Prior to beginning my doctoral studies, I earned a B.A. in Teaching of Spanish and an M.A. in Hispanic Linguistics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
My research examines how bilingualism shapes language, particularly in morphosyntactic variation. In my dissertation, I investigate the nominal morphosyntax of Huasteca Nahuatl, an indigenous language spoken in Mexico, analyzing variation across generations and levels of bilingualism. This research aims to document the impact of bilingualism on language use. I conduct fieldwork in Nahuatl-speaking communities and collaborate on local language revitalization efforts. I also work on projects to promote the inclusion of indigenous languages, such as Nahuatl, in linguistics curricula, contributing to more diverse and inclusive classrooms.
I have published articles on experimental bilingualism and research methods in journals such as Applied Psycholinguistics and Languages, with additional papers forthcoming. I also contribute to the linguistic community as a reviewer for academic journals, a frequent presenter at conferences, and as the editor’s assistant for Language, the flagship journal of the Linguistic Society of America. In addition to my research, I have taught as a lead and graduate student instructor for courses in linguistics and Spanish linguistics.
I am deeply committed to creating systems of access and support for students, particularly those from communities that have historically been excluded and underrepresented in academia. In line with this commitment, I actively contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at my home institution. I have served as a graduate student mentor for prospective students in programs such as MICHHERS and as a coordinator for the Minority Serving Institutions Connect program. Additionally, I have mentored both undergraduate and prospective graduate students, offering guidance on research, professional development, and navigating academic pathways.
My work is dedicated to advancing the understanding of bilingualism, language contact, and indigenous language revitalization. I am deeply committed to research, teaching and mentoring as I hope to make meaningful contributions to the field.
For more information, visit Cecilia's website.
