معرفی
Tanya Dvorak serves as a Principal Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky’s Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. Her work focuses on developing STEM and biotechnology curricula for high school agricultural educators through collaborative NSF-funded projects. With over 14 years of experience in formal, nonformal, and informal education, she bridges agricultural education with Extension outreach, emphasizing youth engagement through workshops, experiential learning, and technology. Her roles include membership in the Kentucky Girls STEM Collaborative Leadership Team and prior leadership as a 4-H and Youth Development Agent.
Education:
- Ph.D., Agricultural Education (Focus: Leadership and Extension Education), Oklahoma State University
- M.S., Agricultural Education, Texas Tech University
- B.S., Agricultural Services and Development (Focus: Extension and Industry), Tarleton State University
Research Interests: Dvorak’s work integrates STEM education with agricultural innovation, emphasizing:
- Technology-driven learning (e.g., mobile apps, gaming for Newtonian mechanics)
- Extension program evaluation (e.g., volunteer motivations, minor crop producer needs)
- Pest management strategies for sustainable agriculture
- Adult learning methodologies in agricultural education
Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Louisiana and Kentucky NSF EPSCoR II, R-2 Project and the Kentucky Girls STEM Collaborative to advance STEM accessibility in rural and agricultural communities.
