Dominican-American Scientist Virnaliz Jiménez Cruz Joins University of Illinois

Virnaliz Jiménez Cruz has been appointed as a scientist-researcher at the Center for Family Resilience at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, marking a key milestone for the Dominican-American scholar. Source: infobae She recently earned her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from the same university in December 2025. Source: listindiario

Background

Born in the Bronx, New York, to Dominican parents and raised in Magnolia, North Carolina, Jiménez Cruz is the daughter of agricultural engineer Virgilio Jiménez (from Bonao) and accountant Mercedes Cruz (from Pimentel). Source: listindiario She holds a bachelor's in Psychology from the University of North Carolina and completed her master's and doctorate at Illinois, where she also taught and led research teams. Source: infobae

Role and Responsibilities

In her new role, Jiménez Cruz will design and execute research projects, build community partnerships, and represent the center at international forums, applying quantitative and qualitative methods. Source: infobae The university hosts over 59,000 students and boasts 15 colleges and 20+ research institutes, providing a premier environment for her work. Source: infobae

Jiménez Cruz has consistently displayed the Dominican flag at her graduations, emphasizing her pride in her heritage. Source: listindiario