Hello! I’m Julybeth [Joo-Lee Beth] Murillo, a fifth-year Sociology Ph.D. student at UC Irvine. My research examines educational inequality, racial and ethnic identity, and social mobility. I focus on the educational experiences of second-generation Mexican students and their parents as they navigate the U.S. educational system—particularly how high school seniors come to understand and decide on their post-graduation pathways.
Using mixed methods, including qualitative interviews and surveys, I draw on theoretical frameworks from Chicanx/Latinx and Critical Studies to analyze how structural and cultural factors shape these decisions. My work aims to contribute to understanding the complexities of immigrant educational experiences and inform policies that support equitable opportunities for first-generation college and immigrant students.
