Mónica J. Hernández-Johnson, Ph.D., is the academic advisor in UNLV’s Honors College (HC) and an instructor of graduate-level mixed methods research. She earned her Ph.D. in educational psychology in May 2025, and holds dual M.A. degrees in curriculum & instruction and U.S. history from UNLV. Over the past eight years as a researcher and instructor at UNLV, she has advised and mentored students at every stage- from first-year undergraduates to doctoral candidates- supporting their academic growth and professional development. Passionate about uncovering each student’s “why,” Hernández-Johnson works closely with students to help them identify their core motivations- whether it’s a desire to advance knowledge in their field, or a personal vision for impact and change, connecting their academic pursuits to their long-term values and career aspirations. By nurturing this deeper sense of purpose, she cultivates resilience, sustained engagement, and a clear roadmap for each student’s journey from student to leader.

In her advising role for the Student Transitions Programs in UNLV’s HC, she leverages her expertise in critical mixed methods, data-driven decision-making, evaluation, and community engagement to design innovative academic programs and spearhead transformative initiatives.