Denise Aikens

SCIENCE TEACHER, PS 583

Denise Aikens is a science teacher at PS 583 in the Bronx. She holds both a BA of Science in Education and an MA of Science in Education from the City College of New York. She was born in Germany but has been a Bronx resident since 2009. She has been actively involved since 2021 with the City Island Oyster Reef initiative expanding marine education opportunities for New York City public school students. She is a passionate advocate for science and climate education and was recognized by the Center for Sustainable Futures at Columbia University for her work integrating climate education into the classroom. She has organized many community-based environmental events and developed environmental education programs for NYC elementary students. She has served as a District 8 Science Fair liaison and outreach coordinator since 2021. She strives to connect students and families to their environment to champion environmental literacy and sustainability across New York City public schools, empowering students to become informed and responsible stewards of their environment.