Ivel Gontan

Ivel Gontan (she/her) is a museum professional with a background in research, evaluation, and program management, now serving as a Civic Science Fellow with the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)’s Community Science Initiative. Ivel holds an M.A. in Museum Studies with a focus in Education from John F. Kennedy University, and a B.A. in Philosophy and Anthropology from SUNY Purchase. She is particularly interested in learning ways underrepresented audiences become engaged and succeed in STEM fields.

Ivel believes museums are institutions uniquely positioned to affect real and meaningful change in communities. A two-time ASTC Diversity and Leadership Development Fellow, her work in museums has revolved around social justice, focusing on how to make the scientific enterprise more equitable and helping make museums more inclusive institutions for local communities, visitors, and staff.