Professor Re Cruz' primary scholarship is in the multifaceted field of migration. Beginning in 1986, she began a lifelong research focus and ongoing relationship with indigenous Mayas in Chan Kom, Yucatan, and the transformations provoked by the impact of out migration. Professor Re Cruz is a co-founder of the LMAS program and currently serves on the LMAS executive board. She is a former Chair of the Anthropology Department (2007-11) and former Director of the Women's and Gender Studies and the LGBTQ Studies Programs (2016-2021). In 2021, she was the recipient of the prestigious UNT Foundation Eminent Professor Award. Professor Re Cruz teaches several LMAS/LLAS courses including Migrants and Refugees, Mayan Culture, and Mezo America.