Carrie Ferraro and Sage Lichtenwalner of the Rutgers Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences were recently recognized by the New Jersey Association of 4-H Agents with the 4-H Educator of the Year Award for their significant contributions to the 4-H program. This award is given to individuals or groups in recognition of outstanding professional education support of the NJ 4-H Youth Development Program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Ferraro develops and conducts many programs for K-12 students, teachers, scientists and adult learners as part of her efforts as the Program Coordinator for the Marine Science Education and Public Outreach (EPO) group at the Institute. Currently, she is also funded through NSF for work with the Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence Networked Ocean World (COSEE NOW). She has been dedicated to supporting 4-H in a number of ways including assisting with the 4-H Climate and Environmental Change Teen Summit, 4-H Rutgers Science Saturdays, and the 4-H Summer Science program. As these are not part of her on-going work, she volunteers and supports these programs because of her dedication to STEM education and promoting Rutgers University.
Lichtenwalner is a research coordinator at IMCS and is funded by NSF to develop software solutions for the Ocean Observing Initiative (OOI) Education and Public Engagement (EPE) program. He dedicates his time to 4-H by offering technical advice and support. He built the 4-H Science website, assists with webinars, programs and professional development programs that involve technology. Lichtenwalner and Ferraro are talented educators and professionals that have brought expertise to many of the NJ 4-H science initiatives held in recent years.
The New Jersey Association of 4-H Agents is dedicated to encourage, support and provide resources to 4-H youth development professionals in pursuing opportunities, networking, and collaborating with other professionals in providing current and valuable programming for our youth. The 4-H Educator of the Year is integral in helping the association and 4-H staff in reaching those objectives. Learn more about the New Jersey 4-H Program, administered by Rutgers Cooperative Extension.