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Steve Kerlin, Ph.D.

500 500 Stroud Water Research Center
Steve Kerlin, Ph.D.

Education Research Associate

Education Department

Contact

skerlin@stroudcenter.org
tel. 610-910-0053
970 Spencer Road, Avondale, PA 19311

Interest and Expertise

Steve Kerlin’s research interests are in environmental and science education, technology to enhance and extend outdoor education, educator professional development, and inquiry-based teaching and learning. He is an Eagle Scout and worked at Custaloga Town Scout Reservation for 10 summers. When not at work, Kerlin enjoys kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, and other outdoor adventures with his family.

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Education

  • Ph.D., curriculum and instruction, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
  • M.S., curriculum and instruction, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
  • B.S., secondary education, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.

Professional Experience

  • Education research associate, Stroud Water Research Center, 2026–present.
  • Director of education, Stroud Water Research Center, 2016–2025.
  • Assistant professor of environmental education/interpretation and youth programming/camp management, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 2013–2015.
  • Statewide specialist in nature center management and Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin Extension, 2013–2015.
  • Assistant professor of science and environmental education and director of the Center for Environmental Education, Northern Kentucky University, 2009–2013.
  • Science teacher, grades 7–9, Penns Valley Area School District, Pennsylvania, 1998–2005.

Publications

To unplug or plug in: adopting the right mobile digital technologies to enhance environmental education

Hougham, J., and S. Kerlin. 2016. Green Teacher 111:3–6.

Green schools as learning laboratories? Teachers’ perceptions of their first year in a new green middle school

Kerlin, S., R. Santos, and W. Bennett. 2015. Journal of Sustainability Education 8(1).

Designing resilient energy education programs for a sustainable future

Lane, J., A. Baker, R. Franzen, S. Kerlin, and S. Schuller. 2015. Journal of Sustainability Education, 8.

Status and needs of environmental education related organizations in Wisconsin: results of the 2014 state-wide survey

Kerlin, S., J. Kacoroski, and K. Liddicoat. 2015. Technical report from University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education and the Wisconsin Environmental Education Consortium.

From local to extreme environments (FLEXE): connecting students and scientists in online forums

Carlsen, W.S., E. Goehring, and S.C. Kerlin. 2014. Pages 81–89 in V.C.H. Tong (editor). Geoscience Research and Outreach: Schools and Public Engagement, volume 21 in Innovations in Science Education and Technology series. Springer Netherlands, Dordrecht.

See publications by all Stroud Center authors

Meaningful Watershed Education: A Lasting and Expanding Partnership With a Local School District

The partnership has become a model for building formal and non-formal education partnerships in systemic watershed education.

Stroud Center Director of Education Appointed to Academic Standards Committee

Kerlin will bring his expertise to the table as the state Department of Education prepares to update its 17-year-old science standards.

Free App Turns Creek Exploration Into Education

The app allows educators, citizen scientists, and creek enthusiasts to learn about water quality and identify aquatic invertebrates with a user-friendly suite of tools.

New Partnership to Strengthen Environmental Education in Lancaster County

Environmental education improves academic performance, increases civic engagement, and instills a belief that individuals can make a difference.

Stories From the Streams: Fly, Teachers, Fly

Watch as a Philadelphia Eagle joins Axalta's All-Pro teachers for an education adventure in White Clay Creek! Episode 8 in the "Stories from the Streams" series.

Students Learn to Solve Water Resource Challenges

The new WATERS project will develop a student-centered curriculum for students of all abilities to learn water concepts and about water careers.
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