Akira S. Gutierrez, M.A., is a student in the Clinical Science program and a McKnight Doctoral Fellow at Florida International University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Child Development from Tufts University, where she trained in early childhood education and applied child developmental research. Her professional experiences include teaching in inclusive classrooms and providing clinical services to children with disabilities. Most recently, Akira served as the Senior Manager of Research-Practice Integration at Transforming Education (TE), where she supported educators and school systems in integrating social-emotional learning in schools and classrooms. She continues to support educators through training sessions and as a National Advisory Board member for TE.

Akira has conducted research related to social-emotional learning and positive youth development at Tufts University’s Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development with Dr. Richard Lerner.

Additionally, she has been involved in research related to parent-child interaction and program utilization while at the Massachusetts Healthy Families Evaluation Project under the mentorship of Dr. Francine Jacobs, Dr. Ann Easterbrooks, and Dr. Jayanthi Mistry.

Akira’s current research interests broadly focus on investigating the implications of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma on academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development among children and youth. She is also interested in the development and implementation of trauma-informed, evidence-based practices in community settings to support youth with high incidences of ACEs and/or trauma, specifically as it relates to (1) developing and maintaining positive relationships with their primary caregivers and other adults, (2) building positive social-emotional skills, and (3) preparing for academic success.