Vanessa Klein

Dr. Vanessa Klein serves as Associate Extension Professor, 4-H STEM Specialist, and Associate Professor of Education at the University of Maine's College of Education and Human Development. She develops educational programming and leads applied research focused on 4-H STEM initiatives across educational contexts.

Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with specializations in Science Education and Environmental Education from Kent State University, complemented by an M.A. in Biology (Ecology) and an M.A. in Teaching (Life Sciences). With eight years of PK-12 teaching experience including high school science instruction and informal STEM education, Dr. Klein bridges research and practice in science pedagogy.

Research interests center on innovative approaches to STEM engagement, particularly through 4-H programs that connect environmental science concepts with hands-on learning. Her work examines effective strategies for teacher professional development in science education and develops curricular models for integrating environmental education across age groups. Current projects focus on place-based learning approaches and developing assessment tools for informal STEM programs.