Chantel Wilson

Dr. Chantel Wilson joined Penn State Extension as the 4-H Youth Development program's first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Specialist.

Originally from Somerset, PA, Dr. Wilson was a first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in Biology from Hood College, M.S. in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences from Virginia Tech. Dr. Wilson served as the 4-H STEM Extension Specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension for four years; where they built a robust program to provide support to educators, pique youth interest, and to develop innovative STEM curriculum. Dr. Wilson's goal is to expand STEM access, inclusion, and belonging among youth in Pennsylvania and to address STEM hesitancy among adults and youth alike. "STEM is for everyone and is present everywhere. You don't have to be an expert in science or math to teach or learn STEM concepts. All you need is a curious mind and to begin to ask the right questions!"