Joanna Stevens

Joanna Stevens serves as the Assistant Director for ¡MIRA!, where she leads administrative operations, strategic planning, and program development to support the center’s mission of advancing materials science research while fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in STEM. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Georgetown University, Joanna brings extensive experience in managing multimillion-dollar budgets, developing research programs, and overseeing grant administration for federally funded projects.

Since joining ¡MIRA! in 2019, Joanna has played a pivotal role in transforming the center from its startup phase to a self-sustaining research hub, securing over $9.3 million in annual funding. She has been instrumental in launching key initiatives, including the ¡MIRA! Scholars program, which provides research opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM, and fostering partnerships with organizations like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Joanna’s leadership extends to grant development, where she has successfully coordinated major funding proposals, including a $5M NSF EXPAND-QISE grant and a $1M NSF PREM Seed Grant. Her work ensures the smooth operation of ¡MIRA! while promoting innovative research and creating equitable opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader community.

Committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, Joanna emphasizes the importance of representation and support in STEM education and careers. Her passion for operational excellence and DEIJ-focused programming aligns with ¡MIRA!’s mission to make STEM more accessible and impactful for all.