Valeria Romero, M.A.

Valeria Romero is the Research Group Deputy Director and a Senior Research Lead at the Lawrence Hall of Science. In her role, she leads research and evaluation studies that aim to understand the effectiveness and impact of in-school and out-of-school-based science learning experiences. Her interests lie in understanding how to design and implement learning experiences that are equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant for learners whom current educational systems fail, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and low-income individuals. Further, she draws on research methodologies and theoretical frameworks that center systems of power, privilege, and oppression as a means towards gaining critical understandings of learners’ experiences in science. Prior to joining the Research Group, Valeria conducted policy-driven research and advocacy and worked in higher education student development to foster access to education for young people from historically marginalized communities, including students of color, low-income students, and immigrant students. She received her master’s degree in educational leadership from Mills College and is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Davis.