Dr. Asencio Pimentel is a Research Scientist at the Cradle to Career Policy Institute (CCPI) at the University of New Mexico, with expertise in qualitative research methods. At CCPI, Dr. Asencio Pimentel is actively involved in various projects related to child and family well-being and education in New Mexico. Prior to joining CCPI, she contributed to grant-funded research projects on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated conditions. She received her Ph.D. in Special Education in May of 2023 from the University of New Mexico with a focus on ASD.