Director of Science & Research PK-12, CHD advocate, Founder Sloane’s Ride

Rachel Ndembera is a mother of twins, one of whom is an angel warrior who passed away due to complications associated with congenital heart disease in 2017. She and her husband founded Sloane’s Ride, a cycling event designed to raise awareness and funds to support CHD research.

Rachel is a first generation American who grew up with an appreciation for science and is currently working as the Director of Science & Research PK-12 at Middle Country Central School District on Long Island. She earned a degree in Geology and Astronomy from the University of Colorado, Boulder and discovered a passion for teaching while serving in Botswana as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Upon returning to the United States, Rachel earned a Master’s in Teaching from Stony Brook University and completed an advanced certification program in School Building and District Leadership through a Collaborative Leadership to Advance School Success partnership between New Visions for Public Schools and Hunter College. She holds a PhD in Science Education with a research focus on longitudinal analysis of subject matter knowledge of beginning STEM teachers in the United States. Rachel is committed to promoting a sense of belonging in the STEM fields and is honored to work with the Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Advisory Council.