Research Associate
- PhD, Leadership Studies, Gonzaga University (GU).
- MA, International Studies, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
- MBA, International Master of Business Administration, Eserp Business School, Barcelona.
- MA, Women, Gender and Citizenship Studies, University of Barcelona (UB) and Inter-University Women and Gender Studies Institute (IIEDG).
Dr. Carla Penha-Vasconcelos is a Research Associate and Project Manager at the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education (JI). Her work emphasizes equity-driven innovation projects and applied research across K-12, higher education, and community contexts.
At the Jacobs Institute, she engages in a diverse range of cutting-edge research projects, including local, federally funded, and international initiatives. Dr. Penha-Vasconcelos also manages the NSF/USD AnchorSTEM S-STEM Project, a multi-year college cohort initiative aimed at enhancing STEM recruitment and retention, culturally competent mentorship, and holistic educational support for low-income college students.
Dr. Penha-Vasconcelos has an extensive international background in community service and education across Spain, Brazil, and the United States. Her engagement with social movements, non-profit organizations, and universities has effectively connected research and practice by developing and promoting initiatives for social justice.
She has taught graduate courses on Leadership and Collaboration, Global Leadership, and Diversity, Leadership, and Intercultural Communication at Gonzaga University. Currently, she serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Leadership Studies Department, where she develops and facilitates EdD research courses. Her pedagogical approach is rooted in intercultural, global, and justice-centered frameworks.