New Science - 2021 Summer

The Stories That Make Us

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As we continue to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of our 5050 Oakland Building Expansion, we are not only honoring the building that has housed so many innovations and moments of excitement over the years, but also the people and faces behind the Science Center. Each team member strives to ensure that you can experience curious moments and learn something new every time you walk through those doors. From our floor staff to our production team, each one plays a part in making the Science Center what it is today. And even more so, how you, our members, remind them why they do what they do.

Dave OMNIMAX® Theater Manager & Chief Projectionist, 25 YEARS

“The first OMNIMAX film I ever saw was To the Limit in 1991. I was a volunteer at the Planetarium at the time, the summer after my first year of high school. As volunteers, we were given the chance to see a show while the theater was still under construction and the current “Main Building” was also still unfinished. The first public shows weren’t until that fall. It’s my understanding IMAX had just finished the installation and I remember some of the entryway walls of the theater were not yet completed. In 1996 I returned as a paid employee in a position called Technical Assistant, which entailed being a Projectionist in the OMNIMAX as well as a Planetarium Operator.”

Ruth Manager of STEM Events, 25 YEARS

“I remember right before DNA Zone opened, Dolly the sheep was cloned. It was a big science moment, and we had to come up with a way to mention Dolly in the gallery. Fortunately, we had built in casework that could be filled with a variety of items as we covered changing content. I remember driving all over St. Louis (didn’t have Amazon back then) looking for lots of little sheep we could put in the case with mirrors so it looked like a bunch of cloned sheep. I emailed Ian Wilmut, the scientist who cloned Dolly, about coming to the opening of our new genetics gallery. He actually wrote me back, and unfortunately couldn’t attend, and okay, he would have had to fly in from Scotland, but it was cool to hear back from him.”

Neville Special Exhibitions & Experiences Manager, 4 YEARS

“In 2018 during Destination Moon, I met Al and Doretta, a Navy vet and his wife who loved all things space. As I got to know them, I found that he had served on the USS Arlington and had worked on recovery operations during the Apollo missions, including Apollo 11. Some of their
information was worked into our interpretation of that exhibition, and they came back for some of our special space-themed programming. Sadly, Doretta is no longer with us, but Al and I stay in touch, ‘nerding out’ over the past and future of space travel. They’ve both become a huge part of my story here at the Saint Louis Science Center, and a reminder of why I love this job!”

Vickie Director of Membership, 13 YEARS

“I absolutely love being in membership. One of the biggest rewards of being in membership is the connection we make with our members. They are very connected to our mission and they become our friends. We look forward to seeing them again and again at our member events. It is like a family reunion! Our membership staff was invited to one of our members’ weddings! And it was the best wedding ever. Thanks to all of our members for
all you do to support our mission and our friendship.”

Elisa Director of Research & Evaluation, 25 YEARS

“After 25 years at the Science Center, I have more than a few stories, but one of my favorites comes from my early days here, when I was part of the Gallery Team. One day, while I was talking with visitors about paleontology at an activity table near the T.rex and Triceratops, a family approached the table. The group included a shy little boy who was probably no more than 5 years old. The boy was visiting from out of town, but this was not his first time at the Science Center. He remembered from his previous visit that the Triceratops in the diorama was injured and he was very concerned about this. He brought with him several Band-Aids that he wanted to give to the dinosaur. I took the Band-Aids and assured the little boy that I would give them to the people who took care of the dinosaurs. Of course, that little boy is a young adult by now. Perhaps, like so many other young adults I’ve met over the years who grew up visiting those animatronic dinosaurs, he has now brought his own children to see them.”

Michelle Manager of Visitor Services, 17 YEARS

“My time at the Science Center has been educational and very entertaining to say the least. Throughout my 17 years of being in the Visitor Services Department, I have encountered memorable interactions with guests, team members and local celebrities* of all ages and backgrounds. It’s hard to highlight all of my unforgettable experiences, but between our jaw dropping Titanic Exhibition, our 63-hour Body Worlds Exhibition marathon, our zombie and dinosaur flash mobs, there has never been a dull moment.”

*Chingy (local rapper), Mr. Crouppen (Brown & Crouppen Law Firm), STL Blues player (forgot his name) and local news anchors

Dwight Previous Employee & Current Volunteer, 33 YEARS

“In anticipation of the grand opening of the Saint Louis Science Center’s major expansion in November of 1991, schools in the metro area were invited to join a campaign to contribute ‘Dimes for Dinosaurs’ to raise funds for our current display. Several schools who participated on a high level were invited to be the first public visitors to enter our new Science Center in October. I witnessed the crush of excited kids rushing to the overlook that day and exclaim, ‘THERE’S OUR DINOSAUR!’ Needless to say, it was a chaotic, but inspiring day for this informal science educator—a day I can’t and don’t want to forget!”

A LOOK BACK

 

The Gallery staff from the summer of 1997. These are the educators who interacted with and inspired guests and developed content to share with the public. The team in the photo is celebrating Tamara Korina (the woman holding the cake) having recently obtained citizenship.

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