Student Spotlight: Ella Stemmer

In anticipation of Joy in Education Day with Lehigh Athletics, we’re taking this opportunity to celebrate COE student Ella Stemmer. Stemmer graduated with a behavioral neuroscience degree from Lehigh in May. She is currently pursuing her M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Originally from Michigan, I came to Lehigh for my undergrad and competed on the women's basketball team. I studied behavioral neuroscience with the goal of attending PA school after graduation, but I pivoted after meeting the incredible mentors in our athletics Flight45 leadership development program!

What brought you to Lehigh? Originally committing to athletics at Lehigh, I was really guided by my belief in holistic development. Lehigh takes pride in developing great students, athletes, and people, which caught my eye. When I visited campus, it felt like home right away.

Can you tell us why you chose teaching and learning for your master’s degree? I have always been interested in the education process, whether as a learner or teacher. When I heard about the Teaching, Learning, and Technology (TLT) program and how versatile it could be, I wanted to apply an athletics lens to the TLT curriculum for my studies.

What stands out from your TLT coursework so far? Coming from an athletics background, I view sport as a vehicle for learning. It has been an awesome opportunity to apply that lens in a formal education setting. And I have learned so much from my classmates, some of whom have direct teaching experiences, and from the international students in my classes.

What do you hope to do with your teaching and learning degree after you graduate? I’m exploring doctoral programs in leadership development. I’d like to teach the student-athlete population at the university level.

Tell us about any awards you have received. I received Lehigh's Contribution to Student Life Award (2023, 2024), Lehigh University's Service Above Self Award (2024), Lehigh University's Bosey Reiter Leadership Cup Award (2025), Lehigh University Athletic's Mary O. Hurley Leadership Award (2025), Lehigh University Women's Basketball Coaches Award (2024), Patriot League Second Team All-League (2025), and Lehigh University Women's Basketball 1,000 Point Scorer (2025).

What are some things you like to do when you’re not in class?  In addition to getting my master's, I have the amazing opportunity to serve as a GA for athletics leadership development and administration. Outside of that, I enjoy staying active, reading, and spending quality time with my friends! I also enjoy visiting the Bethlehem public library, checking out coffee shops, going to workout classes, and spending time at Riverbend Community Church!