Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) marine education specialist Chris Petrone received the Johnette D. Bosarge Memorial Award at the National Marine Educators Association conference, held June 25-29 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Given annually, the award recognizes “loyalty, efficiency and enthusiasm for marine and aquatic education.”

In nominating him for the award, Lisa Tossey referred to Petrone as a “dedicated and knowledgeable educator, who is eager to try new things to engage the public in science.”

“His passion for science is infectious in the best possible way. As a result, Chris has earned a reputation as a valuable project partner and is sought out by everyone from administrators to teachers to researchers for collaborative work,” said Tossey, a former DESG outreach specialist who is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at University of Delaware.

Since joining DESG in 2011, Petrone has had a significant impact on science education in the Mid-Atlantic region.

On a daily basis, he can be found speaking to undergraduate students about marine careers and outreach; creating comprehensive education programs around alternative energy and other relevant topics for elementary school audiences; and coordinating teacher workshops on watersheds, environmental science and weather.

He also is the face of DESG’s 15 second science educational video series, designed to deliver “bite-sized” science to the public on different media platforms (Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).

At the state and regional level, Petrone has participated in discussions with the Delaware Department of Education about adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards, and coordinated events including the regional Chesapeake Bay Bowl marine science competition and DESG’s Coast Day.

In addition to his role with Delaware Sea Grant, which is housed in UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, Petrone currently is president of the Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association (MAMEA).

His other professional memberships include serving on the Board of Directors for the Delaware Association for Environmental Education and the National Marine Educators Association; and membership in the National Sea Grant Educators Network, the Mid-Atlantic Environmental Literacy Workgroup and the Delaware Children in Nature Taskforce.

About Delaware Sea Grant

The University of Delaware was designated as the nation’s ninth Sea Grant College in 1976 to promote the wise use, conservation and management of marine and coastal resources through high-quality research, education and outreach activities that serve the public and the environment.

UD’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment administers the program, which conducts research in priority areas ranging from aquaculture to coastal hazards.