Stella has a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology and a MS in Biology. She has taught inclusive and experiential courses in biology and sustainability for >10 years at three Department of Education designated Minority Serving Institutions. Prior to coming to Cornell she worked at the University of California Santa Cruz specializing in the development and implementation of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and access (JEDIA) programs to enhance the participation and success of underserved students in STEM disciplines.
Stella’s focus includes mentoring faculty and staff in evidence based, inclusive mentoring and teaching practices; applying social justice frameworks in coursework and research programs; community building; mentorship and research experience. She also has experience with the design and implementation of strategies for measuring the impact of inclusive programming to understand their impact on student outcomes. Stella comes from a low-income, multicultural family in Arizona. Her own vibrant and diverse community and experiences with diverse peoples and perspectives around the world, motivate her to create more equitable, accessible and inclusive spaces in higher education.
