Mel Ferrara

Mel Ferrara is a Teaching Professor at the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Stevens Institute of Technology. Their work focuses on feminist science studies, trans and intersex studies, medical anthropology, and the intersection of race, gender, and biomedicine. Ferrara’s current research examines the biomedicalization of 47,XXY/Klinefelter Syndrome and its societal impacts.

Education:

• PhD (2021), University of Arizona: Gender & Women's Studies (with a minor in Social, Cultural, and Critical Theory)
• MA (2017), University of Arizona: Gender & Women's Studies
• BA (2015), Muhlenberg College: Gender & Sexuality Studies and Philosophy/Political Thought

Research Interests: Ferrara’s work critiques cisnormativity in reproductive healthcare, explores transgender medicine, and examines X/Y chromosome variations. They investigate how endocrinology, infertility treatments, and hormonal interventions shape gender and racial formations. Their interdisciplinary approach combines feminist theory, medical humanities, and science and technology studies.

Awards and Grants:

• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2017–2020)
• Point Foundation Scholarship (2016–2020)
• University of Arizona University Fellows Program (2015)

Teaching and Service: Ferrara teaches courses in writing, science & technology studies, and medical humanities. They contribute to DEI initiatives, including the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Freshman Experience Program. Their consulting focuses on LGBTQIA+ inclusive policies in academia and healthcare.