CLAPR Research Analysts and Emerging Scholars
Hire a CLAPR Research Analyst
Image
| Maria Blandon Bachelor of Science, Political Science My passion for politics began on the streets of Nicaragua, where I spent the first 16 years of my life. I was deeply influenced by the protests and resistance against the country’s dictatorship—experiences that opened my eyes to the power of civic engagement. After moving to the United States, I observed the differences in political systems, public awareness, and access to civic participation. At the Center for Latino/a and American Politics, I view research not just as a tool for analysis, but as a form of advocacy. Through data, storytelling, and political inquiry, I aim to elevate the voices of historically marginalized groups, build bridges across communities, and spread awareness about the issues that impact us all. |
Image
| Andrea Borbon PhD Candidate I care deeply about Latino and Latin American politics – especially how they impact immigration and identity politics. My research is focused on understanding the behavior and beliefs of underrepresented groups in order to create more equitable and inclusive policy solutions. As someone from a small border town, I have seen firsthand the challenges faced by migrant communities and the way their stories are often left out of political debates. Studying Latino politics helps build a more complete picture of who contributes to our economy, society, and democracy. I’m proud to be part of CLAPR and excited to continue this vital work. |
Image
| Dianna Gallardo Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies |
Image
| Jacob Gallegos Phd Candidates
|
Image
| Marcel Glover Bachelor of Arts, Political Science At CLAPR, I have built skills in research, writing, and policy evaluation while deepening my commitment to equity and civic participation. I hope to pursue a career in public service, where I can support more inclusive and accountable institutions through education, policy, and community engagement.
|
Image
| Jazmin Jimenez Phd Candidate I am a first-generation American from Riverside, California, and a proud member of the Latino community. My academic and personal journey has led me to focus on political sentiment and public policy affecting Latinx communities in the U.S. Through CLAPR, I’ve been able to work alongside passionate peers on research related to Latino political engagement and civic participation. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how policy shapes our communities and strengthened my commitment to fostering political interest and long-term change.
|
Image
| Erica Marie Maglalang Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Political Science I am a rising senior at Arizona State University, double majoring in Global Studies and Political Science with certificates in International Studies and Political Entrepreneurship. Immigrating from the Philippines at age two sparked my passion for politics and global cooperation. As CLAPR’s Director of Marketing and Communication, I use storytelling to raise awareness about key issues in American politics. I also serve as a research analyst in the Office of Enterprise Planning and a Student Ambassador for the School of Politics and Global Studies. My long-term goal is to become a diplomat, and CLAPR has deepened my commitment to community-driven impact and public service. |
Image
| Jordin Tafoya Phd Candidate I am a researcher focused on strategic political repression and how marginalized communities respond through representation, organization, and mobilization. As part of CLAPR, I explored Latino politics as a vital—yet often overlooked aspect of the U.S. political system. This experience allowed me to contribute to research that deepens our understanding of political advocacy and equity. I’m grateful to be part of a community committed to uplifting underrepresented voices and creating meaningful change. |
Image
| Christopher Yearout Master of Arts, Political Science I am passionate about voter group identities, intersectionality, and broader voter group changes in the Americas. I am particularly interested in what influences Latino voter preferences, specifically how much religious identity contributes to that. I am graduating early and will be completing my master's here at ASU. I am very glad to be a part of CLAPR and to be able to be a part of research projects as an undergraduate, especially given how it is relevant to my interests. Latino politics is becoming more important to understanding elections as Latino voters become a larger part of the American voter base, and being able to study these changes here at SPGS while working on other similar projects through CLAPR has been a great opportunity.
|
CLAPR Alumni
Image
| Leo Perez Leonardo Perez, a CLAPR alum and recent graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Political Science, is now serving in a key role at the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office. As a Legislative Intern at the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, Leo Perez supports the legislative affairs team by tracking and analyzing proposed legislation that impacts the office’s operations. His responsibilities include drafting policy briefs, attending committee hearings, and assisting with communications between the office and key legislative stakeholders. Leo brings his background in political science and data analysis to the role, continuing his commitment to public service and civic engagement. As a student, Leo worked with ASU Admission Services, helping enroll thousands of students and using data to inform admissions decisions and improve institutional outcomes. His time at ASU and with CLAPR sparked his passion for addressing barriers in higher education, affordable housing, and Latino political representation. Through CLAPR, Leo contributed to impactful projects using survey data analysis and visual presentation tools to bring attention to the evolving needs of Arizona’s Latino communities. |
Image
| Nathalya Galvez A first-generation Latina passionate about bridging policy and civic engagement. Nathalya has worked with Aliento, CLAPR, and UCLA Law to champion equitable policies for underrepresented communities. Her research focuses on Latino political participation and voting rights, with a long-term goal of pursuing law and advocacy.
|
Image
| Angel Martinez Angel Martinez is a CLAPR alum and proud first-generation college graduate from Arizona, raised by two Mexican immigrant parents. His work centers on immigration, housing, and climate justice key issues shaping the future of Latino communities. During his time at CLAPR, Angel contributed to research focused on the intersections of policy, equity, and lived experience across the Southwest. He credits CLAPR and Dr. Pedraza for empowering his voice as a researcher and community advocate. Angel continues to approach policy through the lens of those most impacted by systemic inequality. |
Image
| Alyssa Bickle Alyssa Bickle, a CLAPR alum and first-generation college graduate, brings a powerful combination of journalism and policy research to her work addressing systemic inequities. Her research interests lie at the intersection of housing, education, healthcare, and their impact on marginalized communities. As a journalist, Alyssa has written for outlets including The Copper Courier, The State Press, and the Mesa Daily Independent, reporting on issues affecting underrepresented populations—particularly in Arizona. During her time at CLAPR, she applied her journalistic lens to research and analysis, contributing to projects that highlighted the lived realities behind policy debates. Her ability to communicate complex issues with clarity and empathy made her a valuable voice in the CLAPR research community. |
Image
| Zoey Paredes As a CLAPR alum and proud first-generation college graduate, Zoey Paredes continues to build on her commitment to Latino representation in politics and education. Since graduating from ASU, she has worked in both electoral campaigns and legislative policy and is preparing for law school at ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.
|
Image
| Sisto Jacobo Sisto Jacobo, a CLAPR alum and ASU Political Science graduate, focuses his work on public education, English language learners, and southern border policy—issues rooted in his family’s experience as migrant workers. At CLAPR, Sisto conducted research on policies impacting Latino communities, drawing from both lived experience and academic training to advocate for greater equity and representation. |
Image
| Diana Lara Zamora Diana Lara Zamora, a CLAPR alum and first-generation college graduate from Arizona State University, holds a B.A. in Political Science with double minors in Spanish and Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies. Her research interests include politics, migration, education, health, and Latino studies, all rooted in her lived experience as part of the Latino community in the U.S. Through CLAPR and SPGS, she developed strong research and analytical skills, preparing her for a future focused on public service and policy advocacy. |