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 the U.S. civil rights and black power movements, black women's activism, and urban history. As a proud Minneapolitan, Sierra’s dissertation project will examine Black women’s contribution to the freedom struggle in mid-twentieth century Minneapolis. 

Sierra proudly authored an essay through Picturing Black History, entitled, "A Mother's Power: The Bravery of Mamie Till-Mobley," which will be re-published in the Picturing Black History book in November 2024. In this essay, readers will learn about 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.