Nilsa R. Graciani, Ph.D. is a native of Puerto Rico.  Dr. Graciani graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, with a Bachelor’s in Science with a concentration in Chemistry.  She continued her studies in Organic Chemistry at Texas A&M University, where she earned her Ph. D.  After graduation, she held senior scientist positions in the pharmaceutical industry.  Her research included work with peptides and small molecules in various therapeutic areas including cancer, cardiovascular, inflammation, infectious diseases, and women’s health.  She has been a speaker at scientific and health conferences. Nilsa joined Esperanza College in July 2011 as an Adjunct Professor.  In October 2013 she assumed the position of Director for Middle Level Education, Math and Science, transitioning after a couple of years to Director of STEM and Medical Assisting.  Currently she is the Academic Dean.  In addition, in 2019 she became the Chief STEM Officer of Esperanza. 

She serves as the co-chair of the Philadelphia Communities Conquering Cancer’s Stakeholder Advisory Board and is a member of the Community Advisory Board for Fox Chase Cancer Center.  She is on the Advisory Board for Cities Changing Diabetes, Philadelphia.  She also serves on the Occupational Advisory Committee of four local high schools.  She has been instrumental in bringing STEM and health related programs to the Esperanza community including science clubs and summer camps, robotics club, diabetes club, and the HOSA Future Health Professionals club among others.  She was honored in 2014 as Community Partner of the Year by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.  In 2015 she received Esperanza’s Step Above award.  In 2018 she was nominated for the Al Dia News “Women of Merit” award.  In 2017 she spearheaded the “Minorities in Health Sciences Symposium” at Esperanza College which has become a yearly event she organizes.  Her role at Esperanza allows her to impact younger generations by sharing her passion and developing in them a love for becoming professionals in STEM and health related fields as well as in the other programs offered at Esperanza including Early Childhood Education, Community and Human Service, Criminal Justice, Business, Media and Technology and Esport Management.