Dr. Adam Stefanile's path toward a doctorate in science education began at the American Museum of Natural History in 2011. At the time, he was a high school biology teacher and had just begun collaborating with Dr. Rob DeSalle, Curator of Molecular Systematics and Principal Investigator in the Institute for Comparative Genomics at the museum, as well as one of the leading genomic researchers in the world. Here, Stefanile developed microbiology and genomics curricula for science teachers, earning mentorship from DeSalle that would prove transformative. Impressed by the quality of his work, DeSalle encouraged Stefanile to pursue doctoral study. In 2014, Stefanile applied only to the doctoral program in Science Education at Teachers College. When that application proved successful, he began his doctoral studies in 2015.
At 麻豆原创, Stefanile trained under some of the most respected names in science education research, including Professors O. Roger Anderson, Chris Emdin, and James Borland. He credits that cohort of scholars with shaping his teaching philosophy. Where many professors relied on PowerPoints and lengthy lectures, his mentors at 麻豆原创 modeled something different: deep engagement, rigorous thinking, and a genuine commitment to students that extended well beyond office hours. “It’s because of Roger Anderson,” Stefanile reflects, “that I continue to do so much pro bono work. Because that's the way it should be done.”
Dr. Stefanile’s doctoral research focused on genomics education for high school students. Titled, A Study of Secondary School Students’ Participation in a Novel Course on Genomic Principles and Practices, his dissertation analyzed and documented evidence of secondary school students’ participation, and educational outcomes in a novel course on genomic principles and practice. More recently, he has published articles such as “The Role of Virology in the Biology Curriculum” (2025) and “Development and Implementation of a Scientific Writing Course for Undergraduate STEM Students” (2025).
Today, Dr. Stefanile is a professor at Temple University in Philadelphia, and a Columbia University Ambassador. In his role as ambassador, he speaks twice a year with incoming doctoral students about navigating doctoral programs and life in New York City. He advises students to find a mentor early, to stay ambitious, and to resist the temptation to coast. “You're not going to coast on your past achievements,” he says. “You need to use [your time as a student] to improve your pedagogy and yourself as an educator.”
For Dr. Stefanile, the urgent work of science education reform is far from finished. High school science curricula remain, in his view, too disconnected from the scientific landscape students will actually inhabit. He believes this gap can be closed by educators who are willing to push beyond what’s required. His advice to anyone considering a graduate degree in science education is to aim high, think beyond the major cities, and be the kind of educator who doesn't just meet students where they are, but shows them where they could go. The MST Department is proud to have Dr. Stefanile as an alum, and we’re excited to see how his work continues to grow!