Spotlight on Emerging Scholars in STEM & Education: Yamini Sumalatha Bhukya

We are proud to recognize Yamini Sumalatha Bhukya, PhD student at the University of Arizona, for her outstanding contributions to research on mentoring, leadership, and transformative education practices.

At the American Psychological Association (APA) Conference in Denver, CO (August 7–10, 2025), Yamini presented and co-authored impactful studies on student-centered approaches to mentoring and leadership:

📌 Recent Presentations
1️⃣ Examining the Factor Structure and Reliability of a Survey Instrument for Student-Centered, Asset-Based Mentoring Across All Populations – First Author (APA 2025) with Rebecca Friesen, PhD; Adriana D. Cimetta, PhD, MPH; and Regina J. Deil-Amen, PhD.

2️⃣ Evaluating Student-Centered Leadership Training in an Emerging Science Field – Co-Author (APA 2025) with Maham Khalid, Grant D. Batchelder, YoungHoon Koh, Rebecca Friesen, Adriana D. Cimetta, Alysha R. Hall, Regina J. Deil-Amen, and Sara P. Chavarria.

3️⃣ Shared Leadership in Co-Creating Multidisciplinary Textbooks: Strategies for Fostering Innovation and Transformative Education – First Author (AEA 2025, November 10–14) with Maham Khalid, Rebecca Friesen, PhD; and Adriana D. Cimetta, PhD, MPH.

🌟 Yamini’s research underscores the power of student-centered learning, inclusive mentoring, and shared leadership to strengthen STEM education and foster innovation. Her work continues to inspire peers and pave new pathways for future leaders in higher education.