Jill Zarestky

Dr. Jill Zarestky is an Associate Professor in the Adult Education and Training program at Colorado State University's School of Education, with an affiliate appointment in the Department of Mathematics, School of Global Environmental Sustainability. She holds a Ph.D. in educational human resource development from Texas A&M University and a master’s in computational and applied mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on STEM education for adult learners, conservation, sustainability, and nonformal learning through organizations like NGOs and biological field stations. She has secured grants from NSF, USDA, and philanthropic entities, leading projects such as the NSF-funded study on STEM learning at field stations and a bee monitoring initiative with CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.

Dr. Zarestky’s service contributions include roles as Secretary of the American Association of Adult and Continuing Education (2014–2018), editor for New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development, and leadership in redesigning AAACE’s governance structure. Her awards include the 2019 Early Career Award from CPAE and the 2020 Richard A. Swanson Research Excellence Award. She emphasizes bridging education and real-world challenges, such as climate literacy and equitable access to STEM resources.

Current priorities include expanding community science projects, such as native bee tracking, and advancing HRD’s role in global sustainability goals. Her work integrates pedagogical innovation with social justice, addressing barriers for marginalized learners and promoting inclusive workforce development.