In her role at K20, Dr. Hinojosa will lead the design and implementation of rigorous evaluation strategies; guide complex data analysis across diverse stakeholder groups; and translate findings into actionable insights that support strategic decision-making to foster continuous improvement for the GEAR UP the METRO grant.

Prior to joining the K20 Center, Dr. Leighanna Hinojosa held research and evaluation roles in several higher education and education-focused institutions. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Hinojosa earned a dual PhD in Learning Sciences and Human Development/Cognitive Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She has led mixed-methods studies, curriculum evaluations, and large-scale research projects centered on teaching, learning, and student outcomes.

Her professional background includes extensive experience in research design, data analysis, program evaluation, and project management across interdisciplinary teams. Her scholarship focuses on student beliefs and engagement in science education, faculty teaching practices, curriculum design, and evidence-based educational reform. She brings particular expertise in mixed-methods evaluation, qualitative analysis, and translating complex data into accessible narratives for diverse audiences, skills that directly support her work in evaluation efforts for the K20 GEAR UP the METRO project.

Dr. Hinojosa is committed to STEM education and outreach to address cultural and social barriers for all students. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, she has co-designed and co-facilitated professional developments for educators including but not limited to using inclusive classroom practices, engaging students in the process of science, and enhancing productive science discourse in the classroom. She has taught university-level education courses using a social justice framework and culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy.