Dr. Herrera is a published poet, literary critic, and the author of a number of books, essays and journal articles. Her novel, The Pearl of the Antilles, was awarded the Golden Quill Book Award in 2005, and is currently in the process of being transcribed into a play script. Her most recent book, Cuban Artists Across the Diaspora: Setting the Tent Against the House, continues her exploration of Cuban diasporic history and culture.

Dr. Herrera was selected for the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in American Studies at Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland in spring 2006 and has received numberous awards for her teaching and research. She was selected for the 2009 University of Colorado President's Teaching Scholar, the 2008 Elizabeth D. Gee Memorial Lectureship Award, and the 2004 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research, Teaching, and Service. Dr. Herrera was recently named a recipient of the 2012 Thomas Jefferson Award. She is one of five members of the University of Colorado community to receive the 2012 award, among the highest honors given at CU.

Curriculum Vitae