Cristina Hernández has studied art history for over 30 years, focusing on Classical and Precolumbian visual cultures. When hired at Mt. SAC in 1997, there was no art history program and the majority of classes offered were "Art Appreciation" (AHIS 1) and 3–4 sections of "Western" Art History (AHIS 4 and 5). Professor Hernández immediately committed her energies to diversifying the art history curriculum by adding AHIS 9 (Asian), AHIS 11 (Africa, Oceania, and Native North America), and AHIS 12 (Precolumbian) to the program. She also revived the Modern Art course (AHIS 6) and co-taught AHIS 3 (Women and Gender in Art). In the last decade, she expanded offerings in the art and archaeology of Greece and Rome (AHIS 10), the ancient city of Rome (AHIS 14), Pompeii (AHIS 15), and Latin (LATN 1 and 2).

Professor Hernández has regularly taught in the Honors program, co-directed a Study Abroad summer in Italy, served as department chair, and been a member of various academic committees, including the Faculty Association, Academic Senate, Educational Design Committee, and Curriculum and Instruction Council.

In her "spare time," Professor Hernández is actively engaged in research devoted to Roman architectural history and archaeology, specializing in Pompeian houses, villas, and domestic baths, in particular. Research in this field can be seen at her Academia.edu page.