Alexandra Taraboletti

Alexandra Taraboletti, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of the District of Columbia (College of Arts and Sciences). She also serves as a Scientific Program Manager at the Health and Environmental Science Institute (HESI) and a Science Communications Expert at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Her work bridges bioanalytical chemistry, metabolomics, and science communication, with a focus on integrating research into education and addressing environmental health challenges.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry (Bioanalytical Concentration), University of Akron
  • B.S. in Chemistry with Biology minor, University of Central Florida
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship in Tumor Biology, Georgetown University

Taraboletti’s research spans biochemistry, environmental health, and STEM education reform. She employs metabolomics to investigate radiation exposure, PFAS toxicity, and nutritional security, while advocating for innovative teaching methods and diversity initiatives in STEM. Her recent projects explore sourdough cultures as educational tools and metagenomics in undergraduate research.

Her publications highlight interdisciplinary collaborations in metabolomics and education. Notably, her 2024 work proposes sourdough as a model for accessible biochemistry education, and her 2021 Cell paper addresses systemic barriers to STEM diversity. Trends include environmental health impacts (e.g., PFAS, Potomac River microbiology) and pedagogical advancements.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Leader of Promise Award, UDC (2023)
  • Teaching Excellence Award, UDC (2022)
  • Program Scholarship, ACS Leadership Institute (2021)
  • Teaching Award, Georgetown University (2020)
  • Outreach Award, National Postdoc Association (2019)

Taraboletti has secured grants from the USDA, NSF, and Department of Defense to advance metabolomics research and STEM education at UDC. She actively mentors students through organizations like ACS, NOBCChE, and You Be the Chemist, and contributes to science policy and communication initiatives.