Institute for Scientist and Engineer Educators and Center for Adaptive Optics, University of California, Santa Cruz;
Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawai‘i;
ISEE/AWI Professional Development Program Director
Lisa Hunter is the Director of Education and Workforce Development at the Center for Adaptive Optics (CfAO) at UC Santa Cruz, the Director of the Institute for Scientist and Engineer Educators (ISEE) at UC Santa Cruz, and the Director of the Akamai Workforce Initiative (AWI) at the University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy. She received an M.S. degree in Chemistry, working on natural products from marine sponges, and continued in this field after her graduate studies as a research project manager. Now she develops and leads programs aimed at students from college to postdoctoral levels. Her work focuses on issues in higher education, with an emphasis on diversity and equity in science and engineering. She works closely with scientists and engineers to increase access and opportunities through effective and inclusive laboratory experiences, mentoring, and building partnerships that bridge academia, industry, government, and community organizations.. She has designed residential science programs, internship programs, workshops, and a range of other educational and professional development activities.