Erika received her PhD from Miami University in Ohio. Growing up in a multicultural and multilingual household piqued her interest in language and identity from an early age. She solidified her interests in language and identity in the context of belonging when she began her PhD career, examining how using certain terms or even grammatical structure can make people feel (un)welcome based on their social identities. In addition to research, she is passionate about teaching and creating an inclusive environment for her students. In her free time, you can find Erika exploring trails (walking or running), crocheting, and eating.

• 2026-Present: Assistant Professor in Psychology
  Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
• 2021-2026: Ph.D. in Social Psychology
  Miami University, Oxford, OH
• 2018-2021: Psychology Adjunct Professor
  Heartland Community College, Normal, IL
  Parkland College, Champaign IL
• 2016-2018: M.S. in Industrial/Organizational-Social and Developmental Psychology
  Illinois State University, Normal, IL
• 2012-2016: B.S. in Psychology (Concentration: Social Psychology)
  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign IL
• 2012-2014: A.S. in Psychology
  Parkland College, Champaign, IL