Instructional Team
Dr. Gerardo "Jerry" U. Lopez, M.A.T., M.Ed., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor & Extension Specialist STEM, Food Safety, and Environmental Microbiology in the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at The University of Arizona. Dr. Lopez leads a collaborative statewide Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Team comprised of 4-H Agents, Coordinators, Volunteers, and Instructors that are pivotal in the success of motivating and inspiring youth to pursue STEM careers. Over the past 8-years Dr. Lopez has led the STEM team in designing, planning, acquiring funding, and implementing the 4-H STEM YOUniversity Program in offering engaging, hands-on, problem-based learning, and critical thinking STEM projects to underrepresented, urban and rural youth across the state of AZ. These (12) projects include the: Tech Changemakers; Cross Reality; Lego Robotics; Underwater Robotics; Greenhouse Sustainable Energy Engineering Design, (SEED); Space Exploration; Drone Flying; Rocket Launching; STEM Ambassador; Ag Ambassador; 4-H STEM Challenge, and 4-H Ag Innovators Experience. Projects are offered in counties with volunteers to implement with support of Dr. Lopez and his instructional team. Special thanks to the AZ 4-H Youth Foundation for their generous support and the sponsors who contribute to AZ 4-H.
Dr. Lopez’s interest in preparing the next generation of STEM professionals extends to offering high school, undergraduate, and graduate students research opportunities through his Food Safety and Environmental Microbiology Research program. Dr. Lopez has mentored more than 60 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students combined in partnership with the Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities (WAESO), Arizona’s Science, Engineering, Math Scholars (ASESMS) Programs, and the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP). Dr. Lopez is also a faculty fellow for the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) (ASEMS) Program. Dr. Lopez’s research program focuses primarily on determining the occurrence and prevalence of Cyclospora cayetanensis in agricultural waters and fresh produce. This research is critical to help mitigate fresh produce outbreaks and reduce Cyclosporiasis infections caused by this human protozoan parasite. Novel molecular methods are used to detect Cyclospora oocysts such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), droplet digital (ddPCR), target amplicon next generation sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore MinION platform. Dr. Lopez research also focuses on understanding the presence and transmission of microbial pathogens in indoor and outdoor environments to developing better hygienic strategies in reducing the risk of exposure to harmful viruses and bacterial pathogens.
Underwater Robotics Projects
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.
Support Staff
Ivan Esteban Becerril
Ivan Becerril is a student at the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management, where he is pursuing his studies in business. Beyond the classroom, Ivan has a diverse array of interests that keep him active and engaged. An avid hiker and explorer, he enjoys getting outdoors and discovering new trails. Ivan is also a bookworm who gets lost in engaging literature, as well as a gamer who appreciates innovative game design. In his downtime, he can often be found baking up delicious treats in the kitchen or spending quality time with his friends. With his well-rounded passions and drive to learn, Ivan is equipped to excel in the business world and embrace new opportunities.
Hannah Martinez
As an Animal Science major with a minor in plant sciences, Hannah loves understanding how everything is connected. Growing up, her passion for animals evolved along with her, making Hannah's space into a little "zoo" that houses bunnies, parakeets, cockatiels, chickens, and her energetic pretty little dog, Pink. Away from textbooks and laboratories, Hannah loves to explore, whether it's hiking through trails, biking, or kayaking. She also likes staying at home, surrounded by her animals, indulging herself with movies, cooking, or baking