Sierra received her Bachelor of Arts in History with an emphasis in African American studies from the historic Tougaloo College and her Master of Arts in History from The Ohio State University. Her research interests includes 20th century Black history particularly Black women’s activism, urban history, and the U.S. civil rights movement. 

Sierra proudly authored an essay through Picturing Black History, entitled, "A Mother's Power: The Bravery of Mamie Till-Mobley," (which is one of the most popular articles on the site) where she highlights the agency of Mamie Till-Mobley and her contribution to the civil rights movement. 

Advisor: Dr. Hasan Jeffries 

Relevant Teaching Experience: Teaching Assistant for Civil Rights and Black Power Movement undergraduate course at OSU (HIS3083). 

Research Program Affiliations: UNCF Mellon-Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and SSRC Mellon-Mays Graduate Initiatives Program.