Dear Friends of the Saint Louis Science Center,

Summer is here, and it’s an exciting time in St. Louis. With the warmer weather and sunny skies, I can’t help but think of the bright future ahead for our region and our community. Why? St. Louis is a home for STEAM—science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. Reports like the STL 2030 Jobs Plan show that focusing on science and technology industries like aerospace, biomedical and health services, geospatial, advanced manufacturing and more has the potential to make a transformational impact—not just strengthening our local economy, but also helping to advance communities that have been historically unrepresented in STEAM-related opportunities. We at the Science Center believe that everyone should have these opportunities.

We work to connect people with the science in the world around us and inspire the next generation of STEAM-skilled workers needed for the careers driving the 21st century economy. But we don’t have to wait for tomorrow to celebrate the science and technology happening each day throughout our region. And in this issue of NewScience we’re excited to highlight a number of those local connections and what’s happening right here in St. Louis, both inside the Science Center and out.

In Science Today, you’ll hear from Dr. Matthew Lew, assistant professor of electrical and systems engineering at Washington University’s McKelvey School of Engineering, about the work his lab is doing in the field of imaging science as they ask the question, can a computer help make a better camera?

In St. Louis, one prime example of STEAM at work is The Boeing Company, which provides nearly 16,000 jobs and drives innovation in fields like aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing. On page 28, I encourage you to read about Boeing’s support for our Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program’s new STEMtastic Camp. This summer the STEMtastic Camp is igniting curiosity by bringing hands-on science and technology learning to areas often underserved in access to quality STEAM experiences, including Jackson Park Elementary and Glasgow Elementary in the University City and Riverview Gardens school districts. I’d like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Boeing for their continued generosity, partnership and support.

The bonds we build with our community—those at the heart of our mission to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning—are made possible and sustained by our supporters, from philanthropic partners like Boeing to members and friends like you. With science, there’s always something new to learn about the world around us. I hope you have a safe and fun summer filled with discoveries, and I speak for all of us here at the Science Center when I say, we can’t wait to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Todd Bastean
President & CEO

To ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning.

Mission of the Saint Louis Science Center