Dr. Martinez's research interests are in the areas of race and ethnic relations, U.S. Latinas/os/xs, immigration, religion, and the sociology of space and place. He is particularly interested in the social construction of place and how everyday placemaking processes are informed by intergroup relations, meaning-making, and broader social structures. Dr. Martinez’s recent publications have explored the role of place attachment and threat in placemaking, the use of religious symbols and meanings in the immigrant rights movement, and how religious institutions facilitate undocumented immigrant incorporation in the United States. He is currently working on two projects. One is a book which explores Latina/o/x suburban residential integration through the dimensions of local politics, religious institutions, and community-based events. The second project is a National Science Foundation funded study (in collaboration with Phillip Vargas, City Colleges of Chicago) that explores community STEM students’ induction, persistence, and post community college trajectories. Using an asset-based approach, the study examines how cultural wealth and institutional supports shape STEM students’ educational and career trajectories.

As an educator, Dr. Martinez believes sociology is rewarding, applicable, and empowering. He challenges students to develop their sociological imagination and critical thinking skills so they have the tools to be informed, engaged, and empowered global citizens to make positive social changes in their own lives as well as the lives of others. As a first generation college student and former community college student, Dr. Martinez is especially interested in supporting first year college undergraduates and transfer students in cultivating basic and applied research skills. Students interested in pursuing a sociology degree at NEIU as well as collaborating on research are strongly encouraged to contact him.