She earned her J.D. from New York University School of Law. She also holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in sociology from Northwestern University, and a B.A. in psychology from Northwestern University. Professor Avalos’s research focuses on international human rights with an emphasis on women’s human rights, gender-based violence, and sexual violence. She works with international nongovernmental organizations to develop policy solutions that address persistent human rights violations such as rape, child marriage, and honor-based violence. Her teaching interests include legal research and writing as well as international human rights.