Large group of students

STEM Core

Meet the Team

Donna Miranda | Program Coordinator

Donna joined Foothill College in September 2016. Prior to Foothill, Donna worked in academic operations for 3+ years, coordinating online and on campus Allied Health programs. Donna oversees the STEM Core program which includes program logistics, grant managing, and working with students to maximize their success. She was a community college student and transferred to UC Berkeley where she earned a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Education. On her spare time, she enjoys eating at new restaurants, reading, and exploring new cities.

Zachary Cembellin | Math Faculty

Professor Cembellin teaches the yearlong math sequence for the STEM Core cohort. Originally from San Jose, Zach pursued a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and a minor in philosophy from Chico State. He then went on to CSU East Bay, where he earned an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and taught as a teacher’s assistant while completing his degree. He came to Foothill in 2010 where he worked as a tutor, part-time instructor and eventually a full-time tenured instructor. When he isn’t teaching, Zach is studying the philosophy of mathematics, quantum field theory, playing pick-up basketball games on the local courts, and producing instrumental music in electronic form.

Sarah Parikh | Engineering Faculty

Professor Parikh has a Ph.D. from Stanford University in Mechanical Engineering, studying Engineering Education. Students taking Professor Parikh's courses can expect interactive lectures with discussions and activities in small groups. Each of Professor Parikh's courses has a project. Outside of class, Professor Parikh enjoys cooking, reading, and taking her kids to the park. Her goal is to support and inspire all students to achieve their goals in school and in life.

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