About the 4-H STEM YOUniversity Team
Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators
Overview
Arizona’s 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Program aims to provide:
- Hands-on problem-based learning activities that foster a collaborative inclusive nurturing environment for youth to thrive and explore STEM.
- Collaborations with the 4-H state office leadership, County 4-H Agents/Coordinators, 4-H STEM Leaders/Volunteers, School Teachers, and or AmeriCorps members
- Unique opportunities for youth from across the state to discover STEM in meaningful culturally relevant engaging hands-on problem-based learning STEM activities that promote team building, communication skills, and cultivate confidence in our youth.
- Encouragement and inspiration to our diverse youth to pursue STEM careers they find fulfilling while at the same time contributing to Arizona’s and America's STEM workforce.
Areas offering 4-H STEM University Projects
Cochise
Haley Chappell, Assistant 4-H Agent in Cochise County..... For more information, contact Haley Chappelle.
Gila
Thuy Mai Talgo-Bishop, Program Coordinator for the 4-H Youth Development, and Renee Carsten, Gila County Director and Assistant Agent in Gila County...... For more information, contact Thuy and/or Renee.
Greenlee
Kimberly R. Johnson, Instructional Specialist Sr. - STEM, and Ashley JS Menges, Assistant Agent and 4-H Youth Development, in Greenlee County..... For more information, contact Ashely JS Menges and/or Kimberly.
Hopi Tribe
Susan Sekaquaptewa, Assistant Agent, and Yvonne Kaye, Extension Program assistant, in Hopi Tribe County..... For more information, contact Susan and/or Yvonne.
Maricopa
Caroline Werkhoven, Assistant Agent and 4-H Youth Development, and Valerie Gabrielson, Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development, in Maricopa County...... For more information, contact Caroline Werkhoven.
Pinal
Ester Turner, Associate Agent, 4-H Youth Development, and Kyle Treadway, Assistant Agent in Pinal County...... For more information, contact Ester Turner.
Santa Cruz
Norma Elisa Ruiz, Assistant 4-H Agent in Santa Cruz County....... For more information, contact Norma Elise Ruiz.
San Carlos Apache Tribe
Juan Arias, Assistant Agent in the Tribal Programs FRTEP, and Hubert Thomas, Extension Assistant Agent, are agents in the San Carlos Apache Tribe...... For more information, contact Juan and/or Hubert.
Instructional Team
Dr. Gerardo "Jerry" U. Lopez, MAT, MEd, PhD, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist STEM, Food Safety, and Environmental Microbiology is.......
Underwater Robotics Project
Elizabeth "Betsy" Wilkening is the instructor of the Underwater Robotics Project. Betsy is a learner, engineer, educator, environmentalist, volunteer, wife, mom, and activist. Her career has spanned jobs in industry, preK-12 classroom teaching, teacher professional development, outreach education, and community engagement. As a teacher, she had the opportunity to work and visit the Arctic, which led to her becoming a founding member and now president of Polar Educators International. Betsy is a 5th generation Arizonan whose ancestors first occupied lands of the Tohono O’odham and Yaqui people in Tucson under the Mexican flag. She loves introducing engineering to students, and ROVs are so much fun!
For more information contact Betsy at ewilkening1@arizona.edu.
XR Farming System Project
Andrés "Andie" Astra is the instructor of the XR Farming System Project. Andie is holding a Master of Arts in Art and Visual Culture Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration and Graphic Design from the University of Arizona, Andrés seamlessly integrates creativity with analytical rigor. As a Technology Consultant at the Arizona 4-H State Office and Instructional Tech Coordinator at the College of Education, he excels in deploying state-of-the-art instructional technologies and optimizing learning management systems. In the 4-H STEM YOUniversity program, Andrés plays a pivotal role in shaping curriculum content, leveraging his expertise in cross-reality (XR) teaching. Through his courses, he fosters tactile integration by seamlessly blending 4-H's hands-on learning approach with cutting-edge digital tools. Andrés employs data-driven insights to refine hybrid and asynchronous learning programs, ensuring an enriching educational experience that marries innovation and practical, hands-on learning. In his downtime, Andrés caters to his three rabbits and gardens.
For more information, contact Andie at andieroid@arizona.edu.
Lego Robotics Project
Tim "Timinator" Lonchar is the instructor for the Lego Robotics Project. Tim graduated from The Ohio State University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a Computer Science option. He headed out to Arizona to work for the Intel Corporation for 32 years in the field of Quality & Reliability Engineering. Tim has been an active 4-H Shooting Sports leader in Maricopa County for over 15 years and for the past several years, he has been a 4-H instructor in Robotics, Computer Science, and Electricity supporting both Maricopa County 4-H and AZ 4-H STEM YOUniversity. His robot call sign is the "Timinator"!! Tim loves teaching and developing courses in LEGO Robotics for youth and adults too!
For more information, contact Tim at tlonchar@arizona.edu.
Greenhouse Sustainability Energy Engineering Design (SEED) Project
Jose D. Fonseca is the instructor for the Greenhouse SEED Project. Jose serves as a mathematics instructor in the Mathematics Department at the University of Arizona. Originally from Sonora, Mexico, he relocated to the University of Arizona in 1993, obtaining his Master’s Degree in 1995 with a specialization in Multicultural Math Education. With a background in Civil Engineering and Architectural Drafting, his educational journey also includes earning a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in teaching methods from La Universidad de Guerrero, Mexico. Over the last six years, Jose has contributed to the 4-H program, focusing on developing STEM curriculums such as Greenhouse Engineering Design & Sustainable Energy and Space Shuttle Exploration (Rocket Project). He emphasizes that mathematics is a significant academic challenge and a potential barrier to college entry, particularly for minority groups. Jose contends that learning math through STEM projects provides valuable real-world context and applications, fostering an environment of "learning by doing".
For more information, contact Jose at jfonseca@math.arizona.edu.