Castro joined Texas Tech University in 2021 as a Senior Grants Administrator for the Office of International Affairs. In this role she assisted faculty with proposal development for submission, along with budget development. She later transitioned to the Whitacre College of Engineering where she served as the Business Manager for Chemical Engineering. Castro now serves as the Associate Director of Finance for the center. She provides support in the coordination and supervision of center’s grants through maintenance, reconciliation, forecasting, and budget tracking. She also provides human resources support for the center. 

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Maria has worked in higher education administration since 2013, where she has served as a Registrar and Campus Director. Castro has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration.