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Mónica Maldonado is a Research Intern at the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), supporting work on postsecondary value, data and transparency, and evidence-based college completion strategies.

Most recently, Mónica helped coordinate the Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program, a statewide faculty development program focused on teaching excellence. During her doctoral studies, she also conducted a multi-state study with the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) on state authorization and reauthorization capacity and researched dual enrollment policy. Earlier, she served as a Research Intern at IHEP in summer 2019 and spring 2020. Before graduate school, Mónica worked in college access and student affairs with organizations including the Posse Foundation and the Latin American Youth Center Career Academy PCS. 

Mónica is a doctoral candidate at the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia, where her research examines how state higher education and financial aid policies shape college access and affordability, particularly for students historically underserved by higher education. She holds an M.A. in Higher Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a B.S. in Psychology from Berry College. As a first-generation college graduate, Mónica is passionate about advancing policies and practices that make higher education more accessible, affordable, and equitable.  

Outside of work, Mónica enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exercising.