About Tatiana Padilla

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Innovation in Social Science at Boston University, where my research bridges public policy, migration, and inequality. My work leverages rigorous quantitative methods and innovative data science to explore the consequences of contact with the criminal legal system, in particular immigration enforcement, with a focus on how policies shape inequality across race, ethnicity, and legal status. My research is published in leading journals, including Social Science & Medicine, and has been recognized with awards from the Population Association of America.

As the Principal Investigator of the RAIDS Project at Boston University, I lead a research team investigating the spatial and demographic impacts of immigration raids on marginalized communities. My commitment to mentorship is central to my work, having guided over 20 undergraduate research assistants through data-intensive research projects, grant applications and graduate school applications.

I earned my Ph.D. in Public Policy from Cornell University, where my dissertation examined the role of U.S. immigration enforcement in perpetuating inequality, drawing on an original dataset of over 700 immigration raids. 

In addition to my research, I am passionate about teaching. I have taught as an Instructor of Record at Boston University, and my teaching evaluations reflect my dedication to creating inclusive, dynamic learning environments.

Outside of academia, I am an avid traveler, language enthusiast, small business owner 

and cat mom!

--Tatiana Padilla, PhD