Her research interests include bilingualism, second language, and multilingual teaching and learning in public schools, and using Systemic Functional Linguistics as a tool for language teaching. Most recently, she has worked with teachers to develop interventions that provide explicit instruction for academic language, or the language of schooling, in content areas, including reading/language arts, mathematics, and social studies. In the past, Dr. Avalos has directed funded Master’s programs for the Department of Teaching and Learning in TESOL and Reading/ESOL. Her current departmental responsibilities include serving as the Associate Chair, as well as the faculty advisor/director for the Education and Social Change Master’s Program.