Gardella advocates for the right of children to learn science, for the right of college students to have access to the best science education, for the right of disabled students to fulfill their highest potential, for the right of women and minority faculty members to experience advancement opportunities and for the rights of citizens to fully understand the environmental science that affects their neighborhoods and their health. Publications include: "Service Learning in urban, high needs schools: Building from science education to the University at Buffalo/Buffalo Public Schools Partnership" and "Linking advanced public service learning and community participation with environmental analytical chemistry: lessons from case studies in Western New York"