Serena McCalla, Ph.D., has dedicated her life to advancing science and science education while working with the most promising youth. Dr. McCalla founded the iResearch Corporation (DBA iResearch Institute, iResearch Academy, and the iResearch Pitch Check) and the non-profit organization, the iResearch Foundation, that supports the Hidden Prodigy Project. These programs help Dr. McCalla share her research practices with educators and students from around the globe. They promote science research method training and review advanced sciences by conducting artificial intelligence, machine learning, and bioinformatics data research to test novel hypotheses. Her scientific training encourages students to a) systematically address the use of the scientific method during the completion of projects, b) complete novel experimentation, and c) promote expertise in presenting and writing journal-worthy papers. Under Dr. McCalla’s tutelage, her students are lauded annually for their exemplary performance in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF; she supports and sends 5+ students annually), with four students earning a top 10 position in the last 4 years. Additionally, her students participate and win the Regeneron (formerly Intel) Science Talent Search (STS) competition. Dr. McCalla has helped produce over 100 STS scholars and 20 National STS finalists. The iResearch Corporation brings forth copious avenues to help students excel in science, math, bioinformatics, data science, and engineering research to explore and impact the future of science and society.  Dr. McCalla’s students have won virtually all STEM competitions that are publicly accessible regionally, nationally, and internationally.
A natural competitor, Dr. Serena McCalla is not only a science research enthusiast and professional; she also considers herself a science geek and competition supporter. Dr. McCalla is a current board member of Great Minds PBC. She is the President of the New York State Science & Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) and received the Wayfinder Award in June 2023, becoming a National Geographic Explorer. She earned recognition as one of 50 people who are changing the world from The Explorer’s Club in 2025.  Dr. McCalla is featured in the National Geographic Emmy Award-winning and Sundance Film Festival’s Fan Favorite award-winning documentary "Science Fair" as a principal subject and sole educator. Dr. McCalla was a consulting producer and appeared in the Disney+/National Geographic 2024 TV series - "Science Fair: the Series”. She received an Emmy Award for her consulting producer role. Dr. McCalla has earned numerous awards for teaching and mentoring. Awards she has received include the U.S. Presidential Scholar Program Teacher Recognition Award (2024, 2023, 2017, & 2010), the Distinguished Teacher Award from the Harvard Club of Long Island (2016 & 2012), the Teacher of Merit Award earned annually from Regeneron/Intel Science Talent Search (2024 - 2010), received an honorary minor planet (named Serena McCalla) from MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force funded Outstanding Teacher Award in association with the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS). Dr. McCalla’s students have won virtually all STEM competitions that are publicly accessible regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Dr. McCalla has also participated in speaking engagements, commercials, and panels for Disney+, National Geographic, and XSTEM. Dr. McCalla hopes to continue to bolster the brilliance and determination of future scientists. Her greatest goal is to increase global innovation by helping all student group populations to become inventors and scientists. In addition, she encourages her students to follow her quote: “If you dream it, complete the work to make your dream reality.”  Dr. McCalla aspires to support all students in making a difference by discovering something new within themselves and the world. Her life's work is to foster student learning and research to extend past successes in their universities and ultimately manifest themselves in the global arena. Dr. McCalla believes these works will propel this generation of students to improve life on this planet.