Dr. Delil Martinez obtained a BS in Actuarial Science from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) as well as a Diploma in Advanced Econometrics, also from ITAM. After working as lecturer at her alma mater and working for a major insurance company in Mexico City, she traveled to the UK where she obtained a PhD in Statistics from the University of Sheffield, where she also held a post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Probability and Statistics. Upon her return to Mexico, Dr. Martinez provided mathematical expertise as a consultant for businesses and investors before returning to academic life by joining the faculty in the Center for Research in Applied Mathematics at Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo (UAEH). Later, she moved to Southern California, where she has been a lecturer at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), and is currently an Assistant Professor at California Lutheran University (CLU). Dr. Martinez’s areas of interest are Applications of Statistics, particularly in social issues, Statistics Education, and principles of Bayesian Statistics.

As an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics Department at CLU, Dr. Martinez teaches a variety of courses at both lower and upper division. Research-wise, she is engaged in investigating the effectiveness of various pedagogical practices in Mathematics Education (Statistics in particular), and she strives to craft research experiences in probability and statistics (and applications) for undergraduate students – particularly students of underserved minorities.

Together with colleagues at CLU, Dr. Martinez offers advice to students interested in learning about becoming an actuary, and offers academic support to students taking the early exams of the Society of Actuaries. Dr. Martinez also participates regularly in summer programs at CLU with emphasis on STEM disciplines for new college students. Additionally, she still has ties with colleagues at her last institution in Mexico (UAEH), so it is not unusual for her to participate in events such as short courses and conferences at UAEH.

Dr. Martinez encourages students to connect with their instructors, not only for help with class content (which is very important), but also to talk with their instructors about topics which interest them. She tells students, “If you are able, work with one or more faculty members on projects and try to discover what areas spark interest and joy for you.”

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“Hispanic Heritage month gives me an opportunity to reconnect with my roots with intention and pride, and celebrate the richness that our cultures bring to this country.”