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Mathematical learning and numerical cognition. Behavioral and computational modeling methods. Approach using a context and cognition framework.
Socio-cultural and critical perspectives to explore student learning at the elementary level, education as a tool for a democratic society that includes the knowledge and perspectives of Latina/o students and their communities.
Influence of social interactions on cognitive development, Learning through joint play and activities in the classroom and home, Early mathematics and problem-solving skills, Family math context, Development of peer cooperation
Research and professional interests include providing professional development for pre-service and in-service teachers that supports their work in creating classroom community and implementing research-based teaching methodologies and instructional approaches.
Teacher Quality and Policy, School Finance and Resource Allocation, Education Reform and Policy Analysis, Education Productivity and Cost Analysis, and Education Equity and Efficiency
Language of schooling; language diversity; second language teaching, English learners.
Brain development from infancy through adolescence; language and literacy development; socioeconomic status and early adversity; the role of early experiences on neurocognitive development; equity in education and learning
Social and emotional development, Developmental Psychopathology, peer relationships, parenting and parent-child relationships, culture
Dr. Sanchez’s scholarship focuses on the effects of racism and health disparities on mental and behavioral health outcomes of diverse Black and Latinx adolescent and emerging adult populations. Central to her work is identifying and incorporating cultural-specific protective constructs into her research design and interventions to advance mental health and behavioral interventions for youth of color. Dr. Sanchez is collaborating on a multi-year NIH-R01 grant assessing current race-related stressors (COVID hardships, police interactions/ brutality, immigration policy), critical consciousness, and three domains of emotional and behavioral health (EBH): emotional well-being, mental health problems, and substance use among Baltimore City youth. The primary objective of this work is to optimize individual- and systems-level interventions to promote equity in well-being for youth of color using a strengths-based approach. Dr. Sanchez is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Latinx Psychology and on the Editorial Board of The Journal of Counseling Psychology and Cultural °µÍøTV and Ethnic Minority Psychology.
Research interests include emergent literacy, family literacy, cognitive style, and play.