About Me

I'm Sierra, a first-generation scholar from the sun-drenched landscapes of San Diego, California. My academic journey began at San Diego State University (SDSU), where I earned my undergraduate degree in Art History with a minor in Anthropology. While my academic foundation may seem conventional, my scholarly interests are anything but.

My fascination lies in the macabre. I am keen on horror and authentic crime narratives. Exploring the darker facets of human history has been a continuous source of intellectual intrigue for me.

My commitment to libraries and archives was ignited during a transformative internship with SDSU's Special Collections. Deep in the basement, I discovered a trove of historical artifacts about the People's Temple, aligning perfectly with my immersion in a spine-tingling podcast. This serendipitous moment sparked a passionate journey into archival studies. A supervisor, recognizing my enthusiasm, introduced me to the collection of witchcraft materials, a pivotal moment cemented my vocational calling.

I aim to contribute significantly to preserving our rich cultural heritage within an archival or special collections environment. Libraries have become my intellectual sanctuary, and I am eager to embark on this scholarly endeavor.

My professional experience includes internships at prestigious institutions such as the American Film Institute, Timken Museum of Art, and SDSU Library. At the American Film Institute, I managed cataloging and tagging film assets in the Digital Archives, enhancing metadata with advanced tools like speech-to-text and facial recognition. My role at the Timken Museum of Art involved spearheading media campaigns and organizing events to boost visibility. At SDSU Library, I contributed to meticulously managing and preserving special collections.

Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I find solace in the great outdoors through hiking, swimming, or simply basking in nature's serenity. I hold a green belt in Judo, symbolizing my dedication to physical and intellectual challenges. My petite chihuahua mix, Sophie, is my constant companion and serves as a Medical Response Dog, adding a special touch to my academic ventures.

Additionally, my volunteer work reflects my dedication to community engagement. As a volunteer instructor at Unidos Judo Club, I mentor participants of all ages, contribute to marketing initiatives, and help manage the club's online presence. My involvement with Golden State Service Dogs includes assisting in training service dogs and engaging with high-risk students through the "Fun Fridays" program.

I hold a Master's of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University, with a focus on Management, Digitization, and Preservation of Cultural Records. Graduating with an Advanced Certificate in Strategic Management of Digital Assets and Services, I am well-equipped and enthusiastic to navigate the evolving landscape of library and information science.