Marizel Dávila, from Puerto Rico, is a PhD student in Recreation, Sport and Tourism.  She has an undergrad degree in Sociology, Law and Society and a Masters in Leisure Studies from UIUC.  She has written a journal article with Professor Kimberly Shinew that was based on her thesis study of women who have experienced domestic abuse.  She has served within the community as a rape counselor and in the State’s Attorney’s Office as a Domestic Violence Advocate.  She has presented her work at several national conferences, and she has held positions of prestige in her department, most notably as an independent instructor.  She has received numerous accolades for her outstanding ability as an excellent teacher.