Loredana Vetere 

Dr. Loredana Vetere is an Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Long Beach City College. She was born and completed all her studies in Italy. She earned her undergraduate degree and a Master's in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics from the University Federico II of Naples, and received her PhD in Astronomy from the University La Sapienza of Rome. After earning her PhD, she began her career with the Italian Space Agency, she then moved to the US to work for NASA. After many years of working in high-energy astrophysics research, she realized that her true passion was teaching and mentoring students. She decided to pivot her career, focusing on education rather than research. This transition allowed her to directly impact students' lives and foster a more inclusive academic environment. Now, as a faculty member at Long Beach City College, she is dedicated to creating welcoming and inclusive classroom environments. She strives to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, feel valued and supported. She has developed various strategies and practices to promote equity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse and inclusive environment enriches the learning experience for everyone.