Dr. Valenzuela obtained her Doctorate in Political science from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2012. She was a fellow for the Center for the Study of Texas Politics at the University of Texas at Dallas for five years. She worked as a professor at Dallas Christian College, Ashford University, Southern New Hampshire University, Eastern Gateway Community College and Collin College.  She has taught classes on American Government, Texas Government, Mexican American Politics, Congress and the Presidency, State Government, the American Constitution, research methods, political parties and political thought.  Dr.Valenzuela’s research interests include gender and race politics, elections and political behavior.

She believes that students should be motivated to learn by having an enthusiastic professor that shows them the importance of the subject matter in the real world. There is no worst thing that students having apathy or lack of interest in their education. Education should be a process in which knowledge can be easily conveyed and a medium to transmit the great American values of respect, liberty and freedom. Education should be the medium through which students expand their horizons and become open minded to new political ideas from students from various socio-economic, racial and religious backgrounds. An academic environment is a safe environment that allows students to freely express their ideas. After all, it is important for students to have an understanding of their political system in order to contribute to the rubric of this country and strengthen our civil society. Although everyone can have a say in politics, only few can have an academic discussion of the subject matter.