Our Presenters

John Beatty

Planetarium Director - Physics / Astronomy / Forensics Teacher

John has been the director of the planetarium since joining the Northern Highlands Faculty in 2011. He graduated with a degree in Physics Secondary Education from The College of New Jersey where he had enrolled in additional Astronomy courses during his undergrad. He has taught a multitude of courses including Physics, Astronomy & Forensics throughout his time on staff. He also is an Eagle Scout & certified Merit Badge counselor for Astronomy and Space Exploration. John looks forward to working with your group or school to decide on the best plan to fit your needs & desires.

Tiffany Cohen

Presenter - STEM Department Supervisor / Chemistry Teacher

Tiffany has been the STEM Supervisor at Northern Highlands since 2014. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry from Ramapo College and her Masters in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. She has taught Chemistry, Physics and Physical Science throughout her teaching career. Tiffany feels that the planetarium has the opportunity to both inspire and educate visitors of all ages about our surroundings and our place in the universe. She is excited to creatively showcase our facility and all that our team has to offer to the community and neighboring school districts.

Ryan Fanelli

Presenter - Chemistry / Physics Teacher

Ryan has been teaching at Northern Highlands since 2011 after graduating from Kean University in 2009 with a degree in Chemistry Education. Ryan has a physical science teaching certificate and has taught a multitude of courses since beginning his career. He has experience teaching Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science and Earth Science. Ryan has been running Planetarium shows since 2011.

Mike Menzella

Presenter - Physics Teacher

Mike graduated from Rutgers University in 2003 with a degree in Physics Education. Mike started at Northern Highlands in 2008 teaching Physics and assisting with the Planetarium after it had recently been upgraded. Mike has been instrumental in developing and programming the initial shows that were purchased and has been assisting in running shows ever since. Mike spent some time as the planetarium director between 2009-2011 before taking on the role of Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach.

Justin Tralongo

Presenter - Biology / Oceanography Teacher

Justin graduated from Cook College, Rutgers University in 2001 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Marine and Coastal Sciences. Justin began his teaching career an an Earth and Physical Science teacher as well as Biology teacher at Weehawken High School. He came to Northern Highlands in 2009 and has been teaching Biology and designed our Marine Biology/Oceanography class. Justin is also the Men's Varsity Assistant Lacrosse Coach and also coached soccer at Highlands in the past.

Shawna Lagan

Presenter - Biology / Forensics / Oceanography Teacher

Shawna has been teaching Biology & Forensic Science for 12 years and has recently added Oceanography and the planetarium to her (tectonic) plate! She is a graduate of Georgetown University and has a Master's degree in Forensic Science. Prior to teaching she worked as a scientist in drug discovery at Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

Meet our team