DEQ Secretary Recognizes Dr. Erika Young, Marine Education Specialist for NC Sea Grant with Environmental Education Certificate

Dr. Erika Young receiving her NC Environmental Education Certificate from NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson

Secretary Reid Wilson was at the NC Sea Grant offices on Centennial Campus today to present Erika Young with a certificate for completing the NC Environmental Education Certification Program. Dr. Erika Young is the Coastal and Marine Education Specialist for NC Sea Grant. Prior to joining Sea Grant in 2022, Erika served on the faculty at UNC Pembroke for 13 years teaching biology and zoology and serving as a research mentor for undergraduates. She especially enjoys working with students in underserved communities, as she grew up in Robeson County and is a member of the Lumbee Tribe.

“I am honored to join the staff at North Carolina Sea Grant to recognize Erika’s commitment to providing environmental education and professional development to North Carolina's students and educators. Her accomplishments in marine education and her dedication to increasing environmental literacy exemplify what it means to be a Certified Environmental Educator,” noted Wilson.

Frank López, Dr. Erika Young, NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson, Anna Martin, Dr. Susan White 

In her role at NC Sea Grant, Erika provides education that increases ocean literacy through programming for students, teachers and the public. Erika says the certification program advanced her career. “The program enhanced my overall knowledge of the broader aspects of environmental education and allowed me to build relationships with fellow educators throughout the state.”

Erika says her favorite part of earning her certification was the collaboration. “The sheer amount of networking and collaborating with fellow environmental educators was very rewarding and further prompted my interest in creating and facilitating my own workshops.” Erika recently developed an instructional workshop for educators called Aquaculture and Marine Science and piloted it during a week of professional development programming at the Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia. The workshop will be included as professional development for the NC Environmental Education Certification program, meeting a need for more marine content for classroom teachers and nonformal educators.  

When asked what certification experience stood out to her, Erika says it was the site visits. “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting all of the hidden gems of our state's environmental education centers. This process has opened so many doors for new places to visit in North Carolina!”

For her community partnership project, Erika provided a once-in-a-lifetime professional development experience for educators. “I was the fortunate recipient of a small special topics grant offered by NOAA in 2024. I designed an educator "returnship" called Teachers on the Tower in which science educators could have a "rejuvenation" of the scientific research experience! Five educators spent six days atop Frying Pan Tower, once a fully functioning light station for the US Coast Guard in the 60's to warn ships of a particularly dangerous part of the ocean, known as The Graveyard of the Atlantic. The educators collected data for biological, physical and chemical oceanographic processes. The tower was retired in 2004 and has since become a nonprofit, focused on oceanic research, coastal resilience and public outreach.”

Erika says the program was beneficial for her career and noted the program’s reputation as a model for other states. “I am proud to be a part of this program, as North Carolina has an excellent history of environmental education.”

Educator Spotlight: Luke Halton

Photo by Colonel Matthew Halton

Luke Halton, founder and director of the nonprofit, THE OBX WAY, recently completed his NC Environmental Education Certification. Luke creates Outer Banks trail maps to encourage outdoor safety, health, and education. He also coordinated a high school photography internship, established the Outer Banks Trail Center in Manteo, and has adopted the Hatteras National Seashore beach from ORV Ramp 4 to the Oregon Inlet.

"TrailHead" by Benjamin Lashley

Luke says what he enjoyed most about the program was the opportunity to collaborate with other educators while working towards certification. “Many meaningful moments in the journey occurred while sharing best practices with a mix of traditional North Carolina instructors. The online group classes, in-person workshops, and site visits helped me understand how to improve my existing resources and better connect with audiences.”

"BikeRack" by Benjamin Lashley

When asked about a certification experience that stands out to him, Luke said it was the teaching. “I am most proud of our HONORS internship program.  Our student-partner, Benjamin Lashley, captured the idyllic images for our Outer Banks Visitors Bureau essays, was published online by Our State Magazine, and won the NC Wildlife Youth Photographer Competition.  Ben’s effort is irreplaceable, and his photos are timeless.”

"BaySide" by Benjamin Lashley

For his community partnership project, THE OBX WAY activated a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation to research, document, and promote local day-hikes.  The project produced an online interactive map, a printable booklet, and an information event hosted by outdoor enthusiasts.  The momentum from this project led to bicycle and paddle route designs, with the new interpretive maps reaching over 100,000 views.

"Happy Hikes" by Benjamin Lashley

"Down the Line" by Benjamin Lashley

Luke says participating in the program helped him develop fundamental environmental literacy. “As an informal educator exploring ocean, forest, and marsh ecosystems with unique plant and animal species, my curriculum is unlimited.  However, to improve awareness and affect attitudes for environmental appreciation, focusing on key subjects for diverse learners is required to advance outdoor stewardship, access, and inclusion.  So… how can I help people with varied ages and abilities enjoy nature on their terms?”

"Pocosin Paradox" by Benjamin Lashley