Dr. Serena McCalla

Dr. Serena McCalla has dedicated her life to advancing science education and research with the most promising youth in the USA. Recently named a Wayfinder Award Receipt and National Geographic Explorer, Dr. McCalla aspires to support all students to make a difference by discovering something new within themselves and the world. Dr. McCalla earned a bachelor's in Biological Sciences and satisfied her craving for deeper scientific understanding by earning an MS in Hematology/Microbiology and a Ph.D. that explored genetics, photosynthesis, and respiration comprehension among burgeoning scientists. Her career in education led to her founding of the iResearch Corporation (iRC; to promote excellence, inquiry, and equity in science). The iRC encompasses a variety of research-centric programs (iResearch Foundation, iResearch Institute, iResearch Academy, and iResearch Science) that seek to unlock the potential in every science teacher and student science researcher. Dr. McCalla's pedagogy has resulted in a community of scientists who share their passions for science with the next generation of scientists. Her iRC programs conduct virtual experimentation using data science, machine learning, and bioinformatics to identify and test novel hypotheses within many scientific fields - ranging from astronomy to machine learning and from genetics to environmental science and artificial intelligence. Dr. McCalla's students have an unparalleled track record of success in high-stakes international, national, and regional scholarship programs and competitions. In addition, Dr. McCalla's iResearch Foundation promotes enhanced science prowess in underserved and underrepresented groups. Her winning teaching practices resulted in her participation in the Disney+/National Geographic's Emmy-winning film Science Fair and the upcoming TV series - Science Fair: the Series. Dr. McCalla encourages her students to follow her quote- If you dream it, complete the work to make your dream reality.