Kristen Aponte (she/her) serves as the NSF NCAR assistant director of the CORE Office. Kristen holds a master’s degree in education administration and leadership and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.  

As the assistant director of the CORE Office, Kristen works to further the values of access, culture, and opportunity in all aspects of workforce development and scientific research within NSF NCAR. Prior to her appointment in 2022, Kristen served as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) specialist with UCAR’s Office of DEI since 2016. Her work included furthering DEI programs through strategic planning, training, coaching conversations, policy updates, and leading the UNEION training program, which has reached more than 200 employees. Prior to her time at NSF NCAR and UCAR, Kristen worked on college and university campuses in roles focused on student development, community building, and residence life. 

Throughout her career, Kristen has been guided by the desire to create pathways and access to higher education, welcoming and supportive workplace cultures, and feelings of community.