Amber M. Gonzalez, PhD

Professor
California State University, Sacramento

Amber M. Gonzalez, PhD is a professor in Child and Adolescent Development at California State University, Sacramento. Using mixed methods and participatory action research, her scholarly activities focus on exploring the influence of social support networks and institutional structures on Latine student identity development and educational and career aspirations, and motivations. In addition, she explores the ways students use their aspirations and motivations to ensure their success, manage failure, and persist. 

Her research has been funded by Sacramento State, the College Futures Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation and published in the Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, Journal of Educational Research, and College Student Journal. Gonzalez’ teaching is grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy, critical reflection, and a deep commitment to inclusive, equity-minded practices. She serves in multiple roles on campus and has collaborated with various university stakeholders to address inequities within campus policies, programming, and practices. Gonzalez received the 2010 AAHHE Graduate Student Fellow Award and earned her doctorate in education with an emphasis in child and adolescent development from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent development from California State University Fullerton.