Her Story
About Tonya
I am the Associate Dean for Research and Professor at the University of Texas, Arlington, a position I have held for two years. Over my 17-year career in higher education, I have developed deep expertise in disaster mental health, trauma, and community resilience, with my research in these areas representing my most notable professional achievement. In my current leadership role, I also focus on higher education leadership and administration. What truly drives me is my love of research and learning how people process the world, how they come together, and what makes them happy. I find this work fascinating and ever-changing, and I believe research is always needed. My career has been shaped by a general curiosity about the world and a commitment to understanding and improving the human experience.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tonya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lot of hard work and determination. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to putting in the effort required to achieve my goals and pushing through challenges with persistence and resolve.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women that it's really a long game. The path through academia is a lot of small steps that lead up to what your career becomes. I would say that they should keep doors open for opportunities that may be unexpected and unplanned. So, create the path, but also allow for flexibility in that path.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge is how we communicate science to non-scientists. This is the most important thing that we need to be focused on - explaining why it's important, and the return on the investment for scientific dollars, and how that looks, and what that looks like for people.
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