Serena McCalla

Roles: Special Guest

Serena McCalla has dedicated her life to the advancement of science and science education. She has an M.S. in hematology/microbiology and a Ph.D. that explored the use of diagnostic tests to improve the understanding of genetics, photosynthesis, and respiration in secondary and collegiate courses. Serena has been the science research coordinator for the JerichoUnion Free School Districtin Jericho, New York, since 2008. In that role, she has engineered Jericho High School’s recognition as one of the preeminent science research programs on Long Island. Under Serena’s tutelage, JerichoHigh Schoolis lauded annually for its success in the International Science and Engineering Fair and Regeneron Science Talent Search competitions, with 67 semifinalist scholars and 12 finalists in the last10years. She is also president of the New York State Science & Engineering Fair and creator of iResearch Corporation, the parent company of iResearch Institute, iResearch Foundation,and iResearch Science. Her organization promotes research sciences and educational prowess among all students but focuses on underserved students through varied programs and a growing national summer camp. Serena has earned numerous awards for teaching and mentoring such as the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program’sTeacher Recognition Award and the Harvard Club of Long Island’s Distinguished Teacher Award.