Areas of Expertise:
- Evaluation in formal and informal learning environments
- K-12 and post-secondary development learning
- Mentoring programs
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
Yesenia is a Research Associate whose years of applied research in formal and informal educational settings have shaped her interest in youth development and underrepresented student groups in higher education. Prior to joining Rockman, she worked as a research specialist at the University of Illinois Chicago where she collaborated on various mixed-method evaluation projects including museum and after school programs in the Chicago area and the development of an intervention for a national mentoring program. As a graduate student, she led projects focused on assessing and improving the availability of resources and retention for underrepresented students pursuing higher education. Yesenia has earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Xavier University and a Master’s degree in Community Psychology from DePaul University where is also completing her PhD in Community Psychology. After work hours, she unwinds by going on long walks with her dog while enjoying a good podcast and spending time with family and friends.
