As the director of the Advancing Learning Lab, my research investigates how to best support student learning. In particular, I focus on examining how metacognition, motivation, and other instructional techniques can inform our understanding of learning and transfer with the goal of making education more equitable.

Research Strands

1.png

Student & Teacher Practices

What are the typical classroom practices of metacognition and motivation? What types of strategies do students report using? How do students view feedback?

2.png

Self-Regulated Learning

What are the causal relationships between metacognition and motivation and their impact on learning? How does this relation unfold over time?

3.png

Instructional Techniques

Which types of instructional techniques benefit student learning and motivation? What are the parameters of these techniques?

 
Poster presentation, Psychonomics 2017

Poster presentation, Psychonomics 2017

 Teaching & Mentoring

“Cristina was very personable and really cared about the students and if they understood what was happening in the course.” - Student @ Pitt

“I enjoyed the atmosphere of the class and how it felt like the professor had a lot of trust in my critical thinking skills.” - Student @ WashU

“She empowers, supports, and encourages her mentees to find their passions and seek them at the highest level possible, whether that is via an internship, a graduate program, a professional position, or an advanced project or class.” - Mentee @ Pitt

 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The best environments are those that embrace and respect how people differ while providing access and opportunities in a welcoming manner. As the first Latina in my family to earn a doctorate, I understand the importance of having experiences that encompass these values. I strive to further diversity in both the psychological sciences and post-secondary education by participating in outreach and academic preparation programs, creating courses and workshops, and mentoring underrepresented scholars.

 

Coffee break with my graduate advisor, Psychonomics Conference 2019