Dr. Diana D. Lopez

Diana D. Lopez, PhD, is a Research Analyst at American River College in Sacramento, where she supports institutional research, planning, accreditation, and data-informed decision-making. She brings experience in college access and retention, student affairs, university administration, policy research, and teaching research methods, serving students and institutions across California. Her work is grounded in a commitment to centering student experiences, understanding the contexts that shape educational opportunity, and using research to help colleges fulfill their commitment to the communities they seek to serve, in alignment with their mission, vision, and strategic goals.

Dr. Lopez earned a doctorate in higher education and organizational change from UCLA, where her research focused on the geography of opportunity for transfer. She also holds a master’s degree in policy, organization, and leadership studies from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UC Santa Cruz. Originally from Salinas and currently serving as the Central Valley North Regional Representative, she hopes to strengthen connections among IRPE professionals across the region.

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