Virrueta
Stephany Virrueta Herrera, PhD
Pursuing a Passion for Science Education and Accessibility
Stephany Virrueta Herrera’s passion for science education and accessibility motivated her to join the SES faculty as a lecturer. A first-generation Chicana born and raised in Southside Chicago, Virrueta earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Loyola University Chicago. She received a PhD in ecology, evolution, and conservation from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on the evolutionary histories and origins of avian louse diversity in the neotropics and beyond. She has also studied the evolutionary relationships of lice and their fresh and saltwater seal and sea lion hosts, some of which are endangered. Virrueta greatly enjoys collaborating with other researchers, including colleagues outside the U.S. She shared her thoughts about starting her new SES role.
A Loyola alum, Stephany Virrueta Herrera, PhD, looks forward to mentoring students and sharing her passion for science in her new role as an SES lecturer.
What drew you to this position in SES?
My interests in science education and accessibility have made me realize that there is still much work to do regarding science education and literacy at all levels of education. That motivated me to move from focusing mainly on research to teaching. The opportunity to work with a diverse group of students drew me to SES. One of my goals is to help provide students with the tools to interpret scientific data and findings. As an undergrad, I took a few SES classes, and I was always very impressed by how hands-on the courses were and the research projects we could work on. Contributing to providing a rigorous experience to the next generation of students drew me back to Loyola and SES.
What are you looking forward to about your new role?
I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my new colleagues at SES. Everyone has been very welcoming, and I’m impressed with their diverse research interests. I also look forward to serving as an instructor and mentor to SES students. I’ve been in their shoes and am happy to share my experiences.
Which classes will you be teaching?
I will teach ENVS 286 and 286S Principals of Ecology Lab for Bachelor of Arts and Science students.
Is there anything you’d like to share about your life outside of work?
Outside work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my daughter and dog. We went on many walks this summer, and I occasionally create TikTok content about my dog’s life. My children and I are known for our coordinating outfits. I match with them whenever possible.
What drew you to this position in SES?
My interests in science education and accessibility have made me realize that there is still much work to do regarding science education and literacy at all levels of education. That motivated me to move from focusing mainly on research to teaching. The opportunity to work with a diverse group of students drew me to SES. One of my goals is to help provide students with the tools to interpret scientific data and findings. As an undergrad, I took a few SES classes, and I was always very impressed by how hands-on the courses were and the research projects we could work on. Contributing to providing a rigorous experience to the next generation of students drew me back to Loyola and SES.
What are you looking forward to about your new role?
I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my new colleagues at SES. Everyone has been very welcoming, and I’m impressed with their diverse research interests. I also look forward to serving as an instructor and mentor to SES students. I’ve been in their shoes and am happy to share my experiences.
Which classes will you be teaching?
I will teach ENVS 286 and 286S Principals of Ecology Lab for Bachelor of Arts and Science students.
Is there anything you’d like to share about your life outside of work?
Outside work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my daughter and dog. We went on many walks this summer, and I occasionally create TikTok content about my dog’s life. My children and I are known for our coordinating outfits. I match with them whenever possible.