For Jeremy Williams and Rachel Presti, supporting the Saint Louis Science Center is more than philanthropy—it’s a shared belief in the power of curiosity and making science accessible to everyone.
“The Science Center is one of those gems in our community that we feel fortunate to be able to support,” Jeremy says. “It reflects our commitment to making science approachable and inspiring to all.”
Both live out this belief in their professional lives. As Head of Climate LLC, Digital Farming and Commercial Ecosystems for the Crop Science division of Bayer, Jeremy leads a diverse team developing digital tools to unlock the next wave of agriculture innovations. Rachel, an MD/PhD, advances critical scientific knowledge and mentors budding researchers as the Medical Director of the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Unit at Washington University School of Medicine.
When Jeremy joined the Science Center’s Board of Commissioners, it was much more than just another responsibility, but rather an opportunity to give back, even beyond his work with Bayer. He saw how Bayer’s mission (“Science for a better life.”) aligned with the Science Center’s, which led him to say “yes” when asked to join.
As with so many, the Science Center has long been part of their family history. Both Jeremy and Rachel remember aspects of the organization from the time before they had kids—a son, now 20, and a daughter, 17—to experiences today.
For Rachel, her strongest memories include the former “MedTech” gallery where guests could see early medical technology like contact lenses (as thick as Coke bottle glass, Rachel recalls). Jeremy points to the Blue Angels OMNIMAX® Theater film and many of the special exhibitions hosted over the years. “We bring in some really cool stuff,” he says. “I’ve always loved the exhibits.”
Both Jeremy and Rachel note the McDonnell Planetarium remains a favorite, and even walking across the SkyBridge connecting the Planetarium to the Science Center’s Oakland Building is something special.
Looking back, Rachel says, “Our son was absolutely enamored with dinosaurs. He knew the names of dinosaurs before he knew the names of people.” Their daughter, she says, had more of a “maker” mindset, enjoying activities where she could build.
Now, their children are entering their college years and still carry the curiosity of STEM learners. As he grew, their son switched from a passion for dinosaurs to an interest in aerospace engineering. Meanwhile, their daughter is considering majoring in chemistry and going into medicine.
Today, Jeremy and Rachel continue to enjoy the Science Center.
“I still like the Planetarium,” Rachel says. Jeremy notes that in his younger years he used to love going to movies by himself, and he hopes to find time to see more of the OMNIMAX films. “It’s such an amazing, immersive experience,” he says. In fact, the couple wishes more adults would keep the Science Center in mind as a destination—with or without kids—whether they’re looking to be entertained, to learn, or both.
Outside of the Science Center, Jeremy and Rachel are active in their church. In fact, in the past few years Rachel has stepped in to fill a gap and began playing the pipe organ during services. Jeremy also serves other organizations enriching the fabric of St. Louis, including the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ Board and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center’s Danforth Leadership Council. Both enjoy traveling with their children and seeing different parts of the globe.
For Rachel, spaces like the McDonnell Planetarium provide not just a means to explore beyond our planet, but also a place to escape—even momentarily—from the day-to-day stresses of life. “It makes you realize there’s a whole big universe out there, and it’s amazing and beautiful,” she says. “It can help us realize how small our problems are.”
Jeremy and Rachel both agree that the Science Center is a world-class institution, and it’s remarkable that such a high-caliber place is free to enter. “There’s something so special about the Science Center,” Jeremy adds. “It makes science more engaging and more inviting to a broader cross-section of people. I think that’s super cool.”
“In general,” he says, “my goal in life is to ensure that the advantages I now enjoy, that others can have access to those advantages also.” By contributing to the organization, Jeremy and Rachel are helping to ensure that the Science Center’s mission can continue without financial barriers to entry. “Almost everything we give to has that thread,” Jeremy says, “making things accessible for more people.”
“Science education is so important,” Rachel says, especially in ways that help connect STEM with people’s everyday lives. “We need more places like the Science Center that can break down science in a way that’s fun and entertaining.” She adds, “When science can sometimes seem daunting with technical terms and acronyms, programs and experiences at the Science Center can lead to moments of insight and understanding.”
“If you can get people to see how things really work and have those ‘Aha! I didn’t know that’s how that worked’ moments,” she says, “then it’s not magic, it’s science.”
