Josef Appointed GIA Director of Education for New York Campus

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 11, 2011 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has named Jennifer A. Josef as Director of Education for the New York campus. Josef’s appointment, effective Jan. 3, gives her responsibility for developing educational outreach to the gem and jewelry industry as well as the general public.

Josef comes to GIA with a strong scientific background and extensive experience in community educational outreach, according to Bev Hori, vice president and Chief Learning Officer of GIA.

Prior to joining GIA, Josef was the Director of Public Education and Interpretation at The New York Botanical Garden. In this role she developed and implemented educational programs for the public; led horticulture and educational activities; collaborated with other cultural, research and academic institutions, such as The Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum and the Poetry Society of America; and provided interpretation for the exhibitions and permanent collections.

“We are delighted that Jennifer will be joining the GIA team,” said Hori. “I am confident her unique blend of experience from both academia and science will further advance GIA’s education initiatives. In addition, Jennifer’s broad expertise will help strengthen the linkages throughout the Institute--across our education, research, laboratory and instruments groups.”

Josef worked with the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Conn., as Manager of Outreach Education from 2005 to 2008. She was responsible for executing all outreach and after school programs, recruiting and training instructors and junior educators, and interacting with the region’s learning institutions and teachers.

Josef obtained two master’s degrees: one in geological oceanography from the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University, and one in geology from the University of South Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in earth sciences and biology from Boston University.

Josef is on the Board of the New York City Museum Educators Round Table and a member of the American Association of Museums.