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PhD student David Becker wins White House award for work in museums

David Becker, a 4th-year graduate student at LSRI, has been named one of 12 Champions of Change by the White House.

The individuals who won the award this year were noted for their work in providing powerful learning experiences in museums and libraries for young children and their families.

Becker is a senior manager of learning experiences at the Chicago Zoological Society. He leads NatureStart, a groundbreaking early childhood initiative, where for the past 12 years he and his team have expanded the boundaries of early childhood environmental education within the Brookfield Zoo, as well as within the national and international zoo and aquarium community.

Becker began working with children when he was a 16-year-old youth volunteer, and he has continued to work with children and families in informal settings throughout his career. Becker has worked for 15 years as a social worker, and for nearly 20 years in the museum profession.

The Champions of Change program was created by the White House to feature groups of Americans – individuals, businesses and organizations – who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. You can watch the award ceremony 4 p.m. EST, June 11, 2013.

LSRI’s mission is to study and improve learning for children and adults in all settings. We’re proud of the great work Becker and our researchers do. Congratulations!