ISU Professor Honored with National AERA Award for Sports and Education

This nationally recognized award is designed to recognize researchers within the first 10 years of their academic career that are producing meaningful and impactful research within our field. 

Ortega began his career with the College of Education as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education during the Fall 2021 semester. One of Ortega’s deciding factors that compelled him to join ISU was the Division I athletic programs, but he conveyed he has since gained an appreciation for the people and the city of Pocatello.  

Before joining Idaho State University, Ortega obtained his doctorate at the University of Houston and completed a postdoctoral position at Iowa State University. Ortega’s research primarily focuses on Latino students and athletics. During his time at Iowa State University, Ortega helped build a college accessibility program for Latino students in rural areas. At Idaho State University, Ortega is working on projects that include the recruitment experiences of Division 1 Latino students, understanding the relationship between Latino athletics and academic persistence, and examining how Latino students view activism.

 "As a first-generation college professor, I am glad to make my family and community proud. These awards take a village and can't be achieved without the support of my colleagues and friends," Ortega said.