At iNNOVATION Insights…We transform our clients' career journeys through the art of storytelling via our consulting, coaching, and career management services.
On a recent episode of the iNNOVATION Insights Podcast, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Sarah L. Rodriguez—Associate Professor of Engineering Education at Virginia Tech- a true innovator in research and academic branding. As someone who has followed Sarah’s journey from her earliest days as a faculty member, I continue to be inspired by her work ethic, intelligence, authenticity, and how she has intentionally shaped her brand as a scholar and thought leader within and beyond academia.
A Scholar with Purpose and Passion
Sarah’s clarity and confidence were evident from the beginning of our conversation. Her journey into academia began with a full-ride as a Gates Millennium Scholar, where she was encouraged to pursue a Ph.D. and change the world. That message stuck with her and shaped every decision she made. What truly stood out, however, was her decision to attend the University of Texas at Austin after a pivotal phone call from Dr. Victor Sáenz, who promised to invest in her for life. That personal investment, Sarah shared, went far beyond simple mentorship—it was sponsorship in the truest sense, complete with hands-on research experience, visibility at conferences, and, most importantly, the freedom to carve out her own scholarly identity.
Sarah's emphasis on identity is not just personal but foundational to her research. Her academic focus has been on Latinas in STEM fields, particularly engineering and computing. Rather than simply following trends or chasing funding, her work is rooted in her experience as a Latina from a low-income, rural background who once dreamed of being an engineer. She understood the barriers firsthand and dedicated her research to ensuring that future generations of Latinas see themselves in STEM.
Branding with Intention and Impact
What sets Sarah apart is the depth of her research and how she has branded herself and her work. She spoke about launching her website to control her narrative, strategically using social media to share her scholarship, and remaining visible to the communities she serves. Her intentionality in personal branding has paid off—not just with recognition, but with meaningful connections, invitations to speak, and opportunities to lead national conversations about equity in engineering education.
Sarah's branding expertise extends to her work on edited volumes and single-authored books, including her recent edited book on Latinx students in engineering. What began as an idea blossomed into a community of scholars coming together to reframe the narrative around Latinos in STEM through an asset-based lens. She shared how promoting the book became its branding campaign, which helped secure an award and opened the door to a special issue of the Journal of Hispanics in Higher Education.
Advice for Emerging Scholars
Throughout the episode, Sarah offered wisdom for emerging scholars, particularly around building a unique scholarly identity. She encouraged academics to pursue work that resonates deeply with them, to be fearless in following gut instincts, and to remain open to evolving their research and brand over time. Her journey reflects that beautifully—shifting from higher education to engineering education, collaborating across disciplines, and integrating her cultural identity into her scholarship.
Sarah also highlighted the importance of setting boundaries and caring for oneself. She credited her participation in the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity’s Faculty Success Program with helping her create a sustainable academic life—one that includes time for family, rest, and self-affirmation. From daily mantras to writing retreats with her “Chingona Scholars” community, Sarah models what it looks like to thrive in academia without losing sight of self.
A Scholar to Follow, Learn From, and Celebrate
What resonated most with me was Sarah’s unwavering belief that scholarship should reach beyond the ivory tower. She spoke passionately about her commitment to making research accessible, engaging, and impactful for the broader community. She believes that academics must translate their work in ways others can understand and apply—and her career is a shining example of that principle in action.
Dr. Sarah Rodriguez is not just a scholar but a force of transformation. She shows us what is possible when brilliance meets bravery and when branding is used not for self-promotion but for advocacy, connection, and systemic change. I have always admired her, and after this episode, I am even more convinced that she is shaping the future of academia and innovation.
To hear more from Dr. Rodriguez, visit her website, follow her on social media, and check out her latest publications—including her award-winning edited book and her forthcoming single-authored work. She is a scholar to watch, learn from, and be inspired by.
And as always, continue to follow the iNNOVATION Insights Podcast for more conversations that explore the intersections of education, innovation, and leadership.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
Subscribe to INNOVATION Insights News
Download a Free Copy of "10 Tips to Tell Your Career Story"
Collaborations & Partnerships
Visit the INNOVATION Insights Store
Discover transformative seminars and workshops,
exclusive gift items, empowering gift cards, and free creative coloring pages.
Kommentarer