ST. LOUIS, MO – August 24, 2026 – With profound sadness, the Saint Louis Science Center announces the passing of its Vice President of Science and Education, Dr. Becky Thompson, late last month.
In the time Becky was part of the Science Center, she brought an extraordinary passion for science, an unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission, and a genuine spirit of care and advocacy for her team members and colleagues, students, educators, guests and the broader St. Louis community. Her leadership and belief in the power of science to inspire curiosity and bring people together leave an indelible mark on the Science Center and on the region.
Becky’s influence will continue to be felt for years to come through the work she advanced and the opportunities she helped create. During her tenure, the Science Center made significant progress in expanding the ways it engages the entire community with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), including:
- Strengthening its galleries and exhibits to reaffirm the importance of hands-on, interactive science learning and its role in inspiring curiosity among guests and young people throughout the St. Louis region.
- Unveiling a major technological transformation of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, an 18-month project that established it as the largest and most advanced hybrid planetarium in the United States.
- Advancing the Science Center’s vision for sharing the science happening in St. Louis, creating new opportunities to connect the community with the science, discovery and innovation taking place throughout the region.
“These accomplishments are just a part of Becky’s lasting legacy at the Saint Louis Science Center,” said Dr. Ray Vandiver, President and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center. “She saw tremendous possibility in what this institution could do for the people of St. Louis and brought energy, imagination and purpose to that work every day. More importantly, Becky cared deeply about people and making science accessible, as well as inspiring the next generation and helping those around her succeed. She is profoundly missed, but her impact continues to shape the future of the Science Center.”
Becky joined the Science Center team in 2024, bringing with her proven experience in advancing public engagement with science. Before coming to St. Louis, she served as Head of Education and Public Engagement at Fermi National Accelerator Lab and spent 11 years leading public engagement efforts with the American Physical Society. A gifted science communicator and author, Becky wrote several books, including Fire, Ice, and Physics: The Science of the Game of Thrones, and created the Spectra: The Laser Superhero series of physics comic books, each with an accompanying hands-on science kit for use in middle school settings. She was a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Physical Society, and she earned her Ph.D. in physics from the University of Texas at Austin.
The Saint Louis Science Center community joins Becky’s family, friends, and colleagues in mourning her loss and celebrating her remarkable life and contributions. The Science Center team extends its deepest condolences to Becky’s husband, Bo, their families, and loved ones and asks the community to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.
To learn more about Becky’s life, please view her obituary.
Rebecca C. Thompson Memorial
As the Science Center moves forward, it remains committed to carrying on the work and mission Becky cared so deeply about – continuing to make science accessible and engaging to people of all ages and backgrounds. For those who wish to make a gift in honor of Becky, we have established a fund in her memory.
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