Rate My Professor Melanie Biersmith

Melanie Biersmith is the State 4-H Leader for Georgia 4-H in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, holding the faculty rank of Senior Public Service Associate in the Department of 4-H Youth Development. Appointed as Georgia's ninth state 4-H leader effective November 1, 2022, she provides strategic vision and leadership for the University of Georgia 4-H youth development program, which serves youth across the state through experiential learning opportunities. In this role, Biersmith oversees the recruitment and professional development of 4-H faculty and staff, advocates for extramural funding to support program initiatives, and champions the operational success and maintenance of Georgia's six 4-H centers. Her leadership emphasizes diversity, inclusiveness, and positive youth development, fostering environments where young people can realize their potential through hands-on education in leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

Biersmith joined Georgia 4-H in 2003 as environmental education coordinator on Jekyll Island and progressed through several key positions, including director of Georgia 4-H at Camp Jekyll, Extension 4-H specialist for science and environmental education until 2018, and associate state 4-H leader for facilities and residential programs. In her associate role, she managed personnel and operations at all Georgia 4-H centers, coordinated the statewide Environmental Education program, and directed the 4-H summer camping program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Georgia College and State University and a Master of Arts in science education from the University of Georgia. Biersmith received the 2017 Walter Barnard Hill Award for Distinguished Achievement in Public Service and Outreach from the University of Georgia Office of Public Service and Outreach in recognition of her contributions as Georgia 4-H environmental education coordinator. She has co-authored peer-reviewed publications, including 'Using Virtual Pets to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Children' in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2016), and developed educational resources for 4-H youth such as curricula on water conservation, weather and climate, and environmental science projects. Her work has significantly impacted youth education in science, environmental stewardship, and healthy living practices throughout Georgia.