Dr. Agapito considers herself to be both a scientist and an educator at heart. She received a B.S. in biology with a minor in chemistry and a M.S. in biology with a concentration in molecular biology from Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, NJ. In 2013, she completed her doctoral training in neuroscience at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. After her PhD, she was accepted to the national institute of health IRACDA/INSPIRE Postdoctoral program. Dr.Agapito joined the pathology and laboratory medicine department at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and conducted research in the areas of developmental biology, neurology and ethanol toxicology using C. elegans as an animal model system. Dr. Agapito has published in various peer-reviewed journal articles, presented at various national conferences, obtained prestigious fellowships. She is currently the president of the NJ Academy of Science, serves as Rutgers RUYES teaching fellow and Assistant Professor of Biology at Bard HS Early College – Newark, NJ. Since 2011, Dr. Agapito has served Kean University as adjunct professor in the School of Natural Sciences. Dr. Agapito’s long-term goal is to change the face of America by enhancing curiosity, educating, and mentoring students to enter STEM related fields. In this way, we can create a diverse population of role models for the next generations to come.
Ralph Losanno is the Supervisor of Technology for the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District in Flemington, New Jersey and is the Co-Lead of the HSMC (Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer Counties) STEM Ecosystem. Prior to his work in the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District, Mr. Losanno was honored to be a classroom teacher with over 15 years of experience. As an elementary classroom teacher, Mr. Losanno volunteered, led, and inspired both within his own district as well as across the nation. As one of the founding members of the National Geographic Education Steering Committee, a featured speaker at the Global Google for Education Summit in New York City, a STEM technology trainer, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Mr. Losanno is uniquely situated to use his personal knowledge and experiences to influence and advocate for those underrepresented populations whose voices are sometimes overlooked. As an educational leader, Mr. Losanno continues to live and serve as a passionate advocate for access, inclusion, and visibility in STEM. He looks forward to the day when all students have the opportunity to envision themselves situated confidently within the STEM community.
