Darlene Castillo, BS, BA, is currently a Research Scientist at the University of New Mexico Cradle to Career Policy Institute (CCPI). She is currently part of a research team on a retrospective study of alternative schools in New Mexico. She has experience working with data analysis and data collections through her previous position as an undergraduate research assistant at UNM CCPI. Darlene is also part of the NMLEC as a research assistant where she helps coordinate and facilitate focus groups. Outside of work she is a mentor through MANA de Albuquerque- Hermanita mentorship program.