Emily Aguilo-Perez

Emily Aguilo-Perez, is a Professor of English at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where she has served on the faculty since 2018, progressing from Assistant Professor to her current role. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University and has built an academic career grounded in literacy, education, and media studies. Her professional journey began while she was still a student, when opportunities to tutor and teach led her to become an elementary school teacher. She later pursued her doctorate while teaching, including work in child literacy at Penn State, experiences that continue to shape her teaching philosophy and scholarly focus.

Dr. Aguilo-Perez is an accomplished author and co-author whose work explores children’s culture, media, and literacy. She is the co-editor of the Palgrave volumes Barbie in the Media and Barbie in Social Media, which examine Barbie as a global media icon, branding phenomenon, and site of cultural discourse. Her scholarship has been shared at national and international conferences, including an invitation to speak in Spain, reflecting her growing impact within the academic community. A founding member of the Disney Research Society Network and a member of the American Library Association’s Library Service to Children, she remains actively engaged in interdisciplinary research and professional collaboration.

In her day-to-day work, Dr. Aguilo-Perez balances teaching, course preparation, grading, research, and service commitments, embracing the dynamic nature of academic life. Beyond the classroom, she is bilingual and volunteers her time assisting Spanish-speaking community members during elections. She has received multiple university honors recognizing her contributions, including awards for Recruitment and Retention of Women of Color, Outstanding Honors College Faculty, and Excellence in Equality, Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity. Outside of her professional life, she is a devoted dog mom to two dogs, enjoys karaoke and dance (jazz and contemporary), is working toward Zumba instructor certification, and loves outdoor adventures. An avid reader with a lifelong passion for children’s literature—Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland being her favorite—she is currently expanding her reading into new genres.

• Certified Zumba Instructor

• Penn State University - PhD

• Recruitment & Retention of Women of Color
• Equality Across Inclusivity Diversity and Excellence Award

• American Library Association
• Disney Research Society Network