Avilés grew up in Puerto Rico and obtained her bachelor degree in chemistry from the Universidad de Puerto Rico-Río Piedras. She obtained her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Michigan State University.

She was a senior research chemist for BASF Corporation and an adjunct faculty member in chemistry before becoming the First-Year Experience coordinator in 2005. In 2008, she co-chaired the Foundations of Excellence in the First-Year self-study that led to a number of recommendations implemented during the 2009-10 academic year.

Avilés enjoys working with students and wants to help them succeed. During her free time she plays indoor soccer and volunteers in her community.