Selene is a dedicated STEM educator and education advocate committed to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusive education for all students. With a career spanning impactful initiatives, program management, and deep-rooted research, she specializes in turning ideas into actionable strategies.
Passionate about advancing STEM education, I currently serve as the Deputy and High School Director of The Ingenuity Project, where I lead initiatives focused on empowering students and educators. My role involves shaping innovative curriculum frameworks, fostering strategic partnerships, and championing diversity and equity in STEM learning environments. I joined this amazing team in the Summer of 2021 because of its mission. Happy to be a part of the only advanced math and science instructional program for high-achieving Baltimore City public school students in grades 6-12 with consistent positive achievement outcomes.
Prior to her new role, Selene was a 2021 – 2022 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a fellow this year, she facilitated the growth of a national network of community-based life-long learning projects active in all 50 states. (Her fellowship bio)
Selene completed her Ph.D. in Science Curriculum and Instruction at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Her research focuses on improving science curriculum strategies to include more inclusive, culturally responsive, and justice centered innovations. Her coursework includes special certificates in qualitative research and diversity. You may find her doctoral study here titled – Teaching Science for Social Justice: Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Critical Science Agency in Independent School Classrooms
2024 marked Selene’s 15th year as a science educator working with public & private school students from grades 5-12. Before becoming a fellow, Selene finished her 8th year as a 5th grade Science teacher at Shorecrest Preparatory School in Saint Petersburg, Florida. While there, she has completed numerous achievements, such as serving as a 5th Grade Level Dean (read about it), re-aligning the middle science curriculum, serving on multiple search committees, and serving as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Please see her Curriculum Vitae for more details on her current endeavors, presentations, and publications.
Selene’s Curriculum Vitae
Selene is also an active member of several professional organizations, including NSTA (National Science Teachers Association), ASTE (Association for Science Teacher Education, NARST: A Worldwide Organization for Improving Science Teaching and Learning Through Research, and Science Educators for Equity, Diversity and Social Justice (SEEDS).
Other Past Endeavors
Outside of the classroom, Selene used to own and operate an online confectionary Concierge Confections By Selene, where she shared delicious confections with her clients. Since her Ph.D. is keeping her quite busy, she has not been baking her usual treats, but she plans to return to her hobby in the near future.
Selene Y. Willis, PhD 