Pomona Alum Advances Scientific Literacy, Pursues Career in Academia

Andrea Perla is passing along her love of chemistry, honed while a student at Pomona College, to English language learners at the International High School at Union Square in New York City. Using C.R.E.A.T.E.—a scientific literacy tool developed by her thesis advisor, Professor Jane Lui—Andrea teaches high school seniors to Consider, Read, Elucidate, Analyze, and Think of the next Experiment.

“The C.R.E.A.T.E. method is a way to teach students how to read scientific papers, as many are never really taught and just expected to know how to break things apart,” says Andrea, who is also pursuing a master’s in chemistry education at Teacher’s College, Columbia University.

Andrea’s interest in advancing scientific literacy grew into a passion at Pomona College. Especially formative was a course she took taught by Professor Liu that featured the method.

“My thesis—and ultimately the publication it developed into—stemmed from her data and coursework,” says Andrea. “Professor Liu has played an integral part in my academic career as a mentor and advisor.”

“I see how thoughtful Andrea is about education and working with underserved communities,” says Professor Liu. “She inspires me to be a better teacher and a better mentor myself.”

During her time at Pomona, Andrea was a chemistry TA and mentor, working alongside professors and other mentors in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry courses to advance confidence and learning. She also served as the president of the Latinx Alliance, a student organization dedicated to raising awareness about issues affecting the Latinx community. In 2022, she received the Elizabeth D. Hodder Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded to educators who are committed to the field of education and passionate about closing the opportunity gap.