Catalina Vasquez

Catalina Vasquez is a doctoral student in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at The University of Texas at Austin, where her research focuses on non-traditional education pathways as catalysts for upward social mobility. Passionate about regional economic development, Catalina explores the intersection of local and state education policies with workforce demands, particularly in high-growth industries. Her dissertation investigates how adult learners engage with stackable credential programs and the ways these programs contribute to economic mobility. Catalina employs both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including interviews, case studies, and document analysis, to provide insights on program design, policy implications, and support structures that enhance outcomes for adult learners. She currently works as a Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Ganadara, where her work extends to topics like predictive analytics for post-secondary student success.

Catalina brings a wealth of experience in education strategy and policy, honed through her roles with the Education Strategy Group and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Her research also examines state policy related to middle-skill talent development in fields like semiconductor manufacturing, and she leverages state and institutional data to conduct policy analysis on community college transfer pathways in Texas. Before joining UT Austin, Catalina earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Policy from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, which embraces a “Learn By Doing” philosophy. She has presented as a keynote speaker on emerging issues in higher education at the Western Political Science Association Conference (WPSA). Catalina proudly represents her roots in the agricultural heart of the citrus capital of the world, Santa Paula California, and is a product of the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP), which prepares economically and historically disadvantaged students for college. In her free time, she enjoys hot yoga and hiking with her one-year-old Golden Retriever, Ollie, as they explore trails around Austin and beyond. Catalina envisions a future where educational pathways are accessible and supportive of lifelong learning, fostering both economic mobility and financial security.