COL (RET) Edward A. Petersen (email) Program Manager DOTC STEM Education Office Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey

Colonel (Ret) Petersen brings a unique combination of professional experiences to the United States Department of Defense STEM Education Program. His career has included work in public education administration, science teaching at the public school and undergraduate levels, commissioned service in the Army National Guard, laboratory research at Picatinny Arsenal, environmental protection leadership at a large regional sewage authority, writing science textbooks published by the Silver Burdett Company, contributing articles to professional journals, and designing and constructing a solar heated energy efficient home.

Ed's civilian education began with a full scholarship from Chevron Oil Company to Rutgers College of Rutgers-The State University. He graduated Rutgers with a B.A. in science teaching, a R.O.T.C. commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, and a pilot's license earned in the on-campus flight training program. Continuing his studies at Rutgers he received a M.S. in Geology and a M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Supervision. His educational awards include induction into Kappa Delta Pi and a gift of life membership in the New Jersey Congress of Parents and Teachers from his school's P.T.A. His military education included the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course (Honor Graduate), the Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, and Command and General Staff School (Commandant's List). He has also received the President's Volunteer Service Award.

Ed retired after a 32-year career in public education, which included earth and physical science teaching, along with science and general building administration. He holds state certification for comprehensive K-12 science teaching and several supervisory and administrative endorsements. During his 25 year military career he had numerous assignments including commander of a 155mm self-propelled howitzer battalion and Director of Instruction for Weapons at officer candidate school. He retired with the rank of colonel but still serves as a Trustee for the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey. His military awards include the Legion of Merit.

Upon announcing his plan to retire from education and move to northwest New Jersey, Ed was recruited to work in the nearby government lab at Picatinny. He worked there in the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) on fire control software before assuming his current position. ARDEC has received the 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.