M. Ofelia Aguirre Paden

Biography

M. Ofelia Aguirre Paden is the Director at the Center for Science and Engineering Partnerships (CSEP), an education and workforce development hub for the design, implementation and evaluation of projects that address the state and national needs of broadening participation in STEM for students and professionals at all levels. Across 22 years, she has played an integral role in bringing together researchers, educators, industry, and government partners to develop and implement a broad portfolio of NSF (Q-AMASE-i, REU, STEP, S-STEM, ATE, NRT, MRI), Office of Naval Research, and Department of Defense (Manufacturing USA AIM Photonics, HBCU/MSI) education and workforce development initiatives. Her specific focus is on recruitment, retention, and post-graduation success of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students.