Nilsa Graciani

Dr. Nilsa Graciani is an organic chemist and science educator born and raised in Puerto Rico. After getting her bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, she pursued a PhD in organic chemistry at Texas A&M University, studying peptide structures and interactions. As a pharmaceutical chemist, Dr. Graciani worked in numerous therapeutic fields, such as cancer treatment.

Dr. Graciani now works in science education, teaching and training future scientists. She is a professor at Esperanza College in Philadelphia, where she serves as Director of STEM and Medical Assisting. Passionate about supporting the students and young people in her community, Dr. Graciani is also on the board of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network.