She holds a B.S. in biology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, M.S in general science from Connecticut Central State University, and Ed.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Prior to earning her doctorate degree, Dr. Capobianco taught middle school science in Farmington, Connecticut for over 10 years and was awarded Connecticut Science Teachers Association Excellence in Science Teaching at the Middle Level Award, Connecticut Education Association Susan B. Anthony Award for Creative Leadership in Women's Rights, and Connecticut State Department of Education Celebration of Excellence Award.