Robert Martinez joins W&M Counseling faculty
This fall, the School of Education welcomes new faculty members. Today, we introduce Robert Martinez, who is joining our Counseling faculty.
Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to W&M.
As a Latine researcher and counselor educator, I’m committed to addressing challenges ethnoracial/racialized students face in becoming postsecondary education and career ready. As a first-generation, low-income college graduate and former foster youth, I know first-hand the value a vibrant academic community can offer. That’s what drew me to William & Mary. W&M is filled with amazing students, dedicated faculty, robust clinics, meaningful school and community partnerships and believes in the importance of empowering communities.
What’s your area of research and what question are you most passionate about answering right now?
My research explores how school counselors can support BIPOC and Latine youth in schools through culturally informed programs. I'm passionate about understanding, describing, developing, and testing programming that recognizes the unique stressors of college and career readiness for these students. I aim to highlight the cultural resources and assets communities of color bring to create balance in their lives. I'm also investigating how physiological factors, like heart rate variability, relate to students' mental health and academic success. By producing actionable data on these interconnected aspects, I hope to enhance support for Latine youth and other BIPOC populations, ultimately improving their educational outcomes and well-being.
What else are you hoping to get involved with on campus or in the community?
I hope to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to develop innovative approaches to counselor education and research. With the community, I'm eager to engage with local schools and organizations serving Latine and BIPOC populations. I aim to establish partnerships that bridge academic research with practical applications, creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while making a positive impact on the community.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I'm deeply committed to mentoring and supporting students, especially those from backgrounds like mine. I believe in the power of representation and hope to inspire future generations of researchers and counselors from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I'm excited about the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations at W&M to address complex issues in education and mental health, contributing to more equitable and inclusive practices in our field.
