Monica received her doctorate in U.S. history at the University of California, Davis, with an emphasis in early American history and a minor in cross-cultural women's studies. She is currently working on her manuscript, Drunkards and Fornicators on Meetinghouse Hill: Gender, Religion & Identity in Early New England. Before arriving at SMC, Monica was an adjunct professor around the Bay Area, including at the University of the Pacific, Cal State, East Bay, UC Davis and SMC. She enjoys tennis, kayaking, reading and spending time with her family.