Christy L Lleras

Christy L Lleras is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois. Her research focuses on longitudinal analysis of educational inequality, early childhood development, and health disparities in marginalized populations. She has contributed to understanding the impacts of neighborhood disadvantage on middle-school students' social integration, the effects of nonstandard work schedules on preschoolers in single-mother families, and genomic health prevention strategies involving urban African American mothers.

Her work bridges sociology, education, and public health, emphasizing policy-relevant insights for vulnerable communities. She received the NACTA Educator Award in 2010 and has participated in high-impact activities like the 'Ask the Experts: Health Disparities and COVID-19' panel.

Research Interests:

• Educational equity and achievement gaps
• Family dynamics and child development in low-income households
• Socioeconomic determinants of health
• Policy interventions for marginalized families