Maria has been with Georgetown since January 1998. She began her career in the SFS (publications, public affairs) and later the College (department administration), before joining the Graduate School in 2004 where she oversaw research development for faculty and graduate students. After directing the Office of Graduate Fellowships & Awards for five years, she was promoted to associate dean of academic affairs in 2019. Her academic and professional training is in the humanities (English, Spanish), health sciences (nursing), and editing.