Author Page - Alberto Esquinca – Velázquez Press

Dr. Alberto Esquinca

Dr. Alberto Esquinca is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education at San Diego State University (SDSU). He earned his Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Language, Literacy, and Learning from the University of Southern California in 2006. Before joining SDSU, he served as an associate professor of bilingual education at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Dr. Esquinca's research focuses on emergent bilinguals' language practices in academic contexts, particularly within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. He investigates how translanguaging and multilingual learning environments can support bilingual students' engagement and identity formation in engineering and other STEM fields. He has led studies on language practices in hands-on, inquiry-based engineering within elementary dual language programs and has secured funding from the National Science Foundation for ethnographic research on the role of identity formation among Latinx students in engineering studies.

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Education

Undergraduate Studies - University of Texas at El Paso
Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Language, Literacy, and Learning - from the University of Southern California in 2006 .

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Expertise

Dr. Alberto Esquinca is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education at San Diego State University. His areas of expertise encompass:

Bilingualism and Translanguaging – Investigating how emergent bilinguals utilize multiple languages in academic settings, particularly within STEM disciplines.
STEM Education in Dual Language Contexts – Exploring language practices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, with a focus on inquiry-based engineering in elementary dual language programs.
Latinx Student Identity and Persistence – Examining the role of identity formation among Latinx students in engineering studies and their sense of belonging in academic environments.
Transnational and Transborder Education – Studying the educational experiences of students who navigate multiple cultural and national contexts, particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Equity and Social Justice in Education – Advocating for inclusive educational practices that recognize and leverage the cultural and linguistic assets of diverse student populations.