Dr. Felisha Herrera Villarreal is an Associate Professor of Postsecondary Education and Community College Leadership at San Diego State University (SDSU). She is the founding director of the SDSU Research & Equity Scholarship Institute and which has secured over $14 million in federal research funding under her leadership. As a nationally recognized expert in STEM education, she serves as the PI for several large-scale research projects, including NSF funded projects investigating the role of community colleges and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) in STEM. She is a widely published scholar with her research focusing on underrepresented students in STEM and policy issues related to diversity and equity. Her scholarship is enhanced by 20+ years of experience as a higher education professional at two- and four-year institutions.