Deanna Acosta

Deanna Acosta earned a doctorate in genetics from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and her bachelor of science in biochemistry from Northeastern University. Prior to working at Rutgers, Dr. Acosta taught Biology and Anatomy & Physiology courses at Alamo Colleges in San Antonio, TX. She also led and co-organized faculty development workshops and symposia focused on implementing evidence-based active learning practices in the classroom.  

Dr. Acosta was first trained in pedagogy and the science of teaching and learning as an IRACDA postdoctoral scholar at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. When implementing the evidence-based teaching practices she learned about in her biology course at University of Houston-Downtown, she experienced the positive impact these practices had on the success of her students. Following that experience, Dr. Acosta shifted her training and career focus to undergraduate education and student success. 

As Director of Integrated Academic Support Programs, Dr. Acosta oversees and develops the Learning Assistant Program. She looks forward to working with the Learning Centers team, faculty, and other campus collaborators to improve and expand the program.