Science has an extraordinary power to connect us—to one another, to our community, and to the world around us. In this winter issue of NewScience, we are pleased to highlight the ways your Saint Louis Science Center is bringing guests, members, and our community together with the science happening right here in St. Louis.
Inside, you’ll discover fascinating insights from STEM subject matter experts pushing the boundaries in their fields, from the interconnected world of regenerative agriculture to the remarkable ways animals communicate. You can also learn more about our new OMNIMAX® Theater film, Secrets of Great Salt Lake, in an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with Tyler Mifflin, the film’s director, and Dr. Bonnie Baxter, the biologist featured in this incredible documentary.
Also, join us in looking back at meaningful moments that brought science to life for our supporters. The Einstein Society toured Saint Louis University’s cutting-edge CHROME Lab. At the Science Center, we hosted members of our Curie Society for a special afternoon in recognition of their generous support through planned giving. In addition, we were proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Loeb Prize, which recognizes innovative teachers in science and mathematics who inspire the next generation.
Of course, there’s always something to look forward to at the Science Center. Inside, you’ll learn more about upcoming opportunities to find what sparks your curiosity through events like the annual Community STEM Showcase, SciFest: Engineering Expo, the returning EV Experience, our Summer STEM Explorers Camp, and much more.
None of these things would be possible without friends like you. Be sure to read about longtime supporters and Einstein Society members Joel and Joanne Iskiwitch in our Donor Spotlight, and help keep the celebration going with a recap of our recent WONDER: A Quantum Blast fundraiser, which generated more than $366,000 to support our mission to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.
Whether through membership, donations, ticket sales, taxpayer support, or advocacy for our mission, you are helping make science accessible to all. As we look ahead to the new year and well beyond, we are incredibly grateful to have you with us, and we hope to see you soon at your Saint Louis Science Center.
With gratitude,
Ray Vandiver President and CEO
To inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science. Mission of the Saint Louis Science Center
Host your next private event at the Saint Louis Science Center. Services and catering provided by Saint Louis Science Center Events. For information: 314.286.4667.
Accessibility
Complimentary wheelchairs and strollers are available in the lobby. Motorized scooters are available for a rental fee. Personal Hearing Assistance Devices are available at the OMNIMAX® Theater and Planetarium. Captiview caption devices are available for all OMNIMAX® films.
Official Partners
The Saint Louis Science Center gratefully acknowledges the support of our Official Partners.
In This Issue...
Membership Matters
Check out our 2025 Gift Guide, meet the new Manager of Membership and Individual Giving, discover upcoming member events, and more!
Revisit our WONDER event, meet the Iskiwitches in the Donor Spotlight, join us in celebrating 30 years of the Loeb Prize, and find out what our Einstein and Curie societies have been doing. 4 10 12 14 18 19 24
Connect with us for updates, special events and fun science.
Science Today
Learn all about how cuttlefish communicate from WashU's Dr. Sophie Cohen-Bodénès.
Gallery Spotlight
Find out what new areas and interactives have sprouted up in GROW!
Science Never Stops
Learn about our newest OMNIMAX® film, Secrets of Great Salt Lake, from its director and star, plus winter astronomy dates and more.
Did You Know?
Rishi Masalia, Program Director at the 39 North AgTech Innovation District and Founder of Sage Advice Consulting, explains the wonder of regenerative agriculture.
Join Us
From community STEM to spinal surgery, we’ve got all kinds of special events we're offering in the new year.
OPEN until 5:30pm Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18
OPEN until 5:30pm Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15
MEET THE TEAM
COOPER
WILLIAMS
MANAGER, MEMBERSHIP AND INDIVIDUAL GIVING
He still vividly recalls his very first visit as a little kid, completely obsessed with dinosaurs but absolutely terrified when he came face-to-face...
We're thrilled to welcome Cooper Williams as our new Manager, Membership and Individual Giving! Cooper brings exceptional experience to our team from his previous roles as the Membership Manager at The Magic House here in St. Louis and, most recently, as the Director of Guest and Member Relations at Conner Prairie Museum in Fishers, Indiana, where he developed a deep understanding of how museums can create meaningful connections with their communities. What makes his arrival even more special is that he's returning home to St. Louis to raise his family where he and his wife grew up, bringing his career full circle to the city and institution that first sparked his curiosity about science.
As a longtime Science Center enthusiast who fondly remembers childhood visits to see OMNIMAX® films and special exhibitions in the Exploradome, Cooper brings both professional expertise and genuine personal connection to our mission. He still vividly recalls his very first visit as a little kid, completely obsessed with dinosaurs but absolutely terrified when he came face-to-face with the towering T. rex—a perfect example of how the Science Center has always expertly balanced education with just the right amount of awe-inspiring wonder. Those early experiences exploring the mysteries of science, from prehistoric creatures to the cosmos above, laid the foundation for a lifelong passion that he now gets to share professionally. Now, as a parent himself, he's rediscovering that same magic through his little one's eyes in the Discovery Room, watching curiosity spark with each new exploration and seeing firsthand how the Science Center continues to inspire the next generation of learners. Since his wife works in the medical field, science is truly at the heart of their household, making science education and discovery natural parts of their family's daily conversations and adventures.
A self-described aviation and weather geek who can often be found tracking storm systems or marveling at aircraft, Cooper understands the infectious nature of scientific curiosity and the excitement that draws families to explore science together. His combination of professional museum experience, his personal passion for science, and his deep roots in the St. Louis community make him uniquely positioned to strengthen the bonds between the Science Center and our valued members and supporters. We're excited to have his enthusiasm, expertise, and authentic love for science education helping to grow our community of learners, explorers, and supporters for years to come.
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 | 5:00–8:00PM
Member Appreciation Night
Our favorite event of the year! Join us for a buildingwide celebration of you – our members! We’ll have all the galleries activated and offering special activities. We’ll be providing our coffee and hot cocoa bar, too – and much more! Hope to see you there!
NO TICKETS REQUIRED!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 | 11:00AM–2:00PM Member Lounge: Valentine’s Day
Join us for an open house member lounge! Drop in at any time between 11:00am and 2:00pm to learn about the science of attraction, create valentines, and enjoy some treats.
TICKETS AVAILABLE JANUARY 12
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 | 3:00–4:30PM
New Member Expedition
Are you new to membership at the Science Center? This event is perfect for you! Join other new members as we guide you through all the benefits of being a Science Center member. Be sure to join in the building tour and enjoy some refreshments, as well as a fun STEM demo led by team members from one of our galleries.
Visit slsc.org/member-events for more information!
Are you shopping for gifts in the coming months? We have something for everyone in our ExploreStore and Planetarium Gift Shop!
Does your gift recipient like things that are…
ANIMALS ? ANIMALS ?
SQUISHY ? SQUISHY ?
Axolotl slippers
($35; $31.50 for members)
Axolotl mug
($25; $22.50 for members)
($32; $28.80 for members)
Squishy planets
($16; $14.40 for members)
Saturn V Rocket plushie
($32; $28.80 for members)
($25;
for members)
c. Made of stars youth t-shirt
($23; $20.70 for members)
d. PJ pants
($45; $40.50 for members)
members)
jet car
($55; $49.50 for members)
REMEMBER!
Members always get 10% off in our shops – and for one evening only, Thursday, December 11, we increase your savings to 20% off during Member Appreciation Night!
Swaddle dino
$22.50
Water
Galaxy Lamp
($32.00; $28.80 for
Kaleido craft
($30; $27 for members)
a. Dino hoodie
($50; $45 for members)
b. Science Matters t-shirt
($25; $22.50 for members)
JEN CLINE AND PETER HUSSEY
Jen and Peter are both tenured professors, in Sociology and Music, respectively, at Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey, IL. They are both trained as REMO HealthRHYTHMS facilitators. Peter is also a professional musician, performing in the St. Louis area and around the country.
How often do you visit, and what do you like to do here?
Peter- We visit every couple of weeks. I’m not sure there’s anything we DON’T like to do there!
With a 3-year-old currently, we certainly enjoy the Discovery Room and the various activities around the Science Center that engage his interests and curiosity. He loved the outdoor GROW area the last time we visited and always finds adventures in the lab area with the fish tank and activities. We see movies in the OMNIMAX® and enjoy the Planetarium shows, as well. It’s all so great, even just walking through the halls and engaging with other guests and their kids.
Jen- For me, the best part is that the Science Center feels designed for pure, unstructured discovery. We truly just let the day take us where it does and let the kids lead the way. Lately, that journey has regularly brought us to the Life Science Lab. It's the perfect bridge: Charlie, the teenager, is obsessed with animals and conservation, and he shares that passion with his younger brother, Oscar. It’s a rare place where a three-year-old and a high schooler can genuinely explore the same gallery together.
What's your favorite member benefit, and why?
Jen- Our favorite member benefit is the sheer ability to be spontaneous. As parents, we love that we can just show up and decide on a whim to catch an IMAX® movie or drop into a Planetarium show without having to plan ahead. It's really the low-pressure approach that makes the difference. It gives our teens the independence to explore the Science Center on their own terms, bring a friend, and enjoy the exhibits without needing us to track their logistics. It really takes the pressure off of having meaningful family time.
Tell us a favorite memory about spending time at the Science Center.
Jen- One of my favorite memories happened when our son had just turned two. He surprised us by asking specifically to visit the Science Center, which was a fun milestone that showed he was starting to develop his own interests. He excitedly walked in and knew exactly where he wanted to go: the upper level to watch the T. rex from the balcony. We ended up sitting there for nearly half an hour, just watching the dinosaur. It was a simple, quiet moment of him finding his own wonder in science.
Peter- While we certainly have leaned into our three-yearold’s experiences more recently, the older kids have always loved the Science Center. One of the magical things about it is that there are so many things for folks of any age. We’ve watched the kids “grow up” with the various exhibits and experiences. And we have enjoyed them all along the way. Special ticketed exhibits (POMPEII, for example) are something that we have enjoyed as a family, and also brought guests and family from out of town.
Why would you recommend a Science Center membership to anyone considering it?
Jen- As two educators, we believe a Science Center membership is more critical now than ever. Being immersed in the Science Center reinforces the idea that education extends beyond the classroom. Science isn’t simply a subject you might take in school; it’s the idea of curiosity and understanding the world.
The Saint Louis Science Center to Launch New Website in December
This winter, the Saint Louis Science Center will ).
The website, created in collaboration with Spry Digital, has been thoughtfully designed to offer a sleeker, more intuitive user journey, featuring: An upgraded "Plan Your Visit" tool to help
A new, vibrant color scheme that will create
• A new way to explore our blog to ensure visitors stay up to date on all current news and happenings
Stay tuned to your member newsletter and the Science Center’s social media to make sure you are one of the first visitors to experience the new website. And do not forget that you are able to utilize the website to reserve or purchase tickets, as well as shop from our gift shop anytime, by visiting slsc.org!
Sophie Cohen-Bodénès is a post-doctoral researcher in neuroscience at Washington University in Saint Louis. She received her Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience in France, at École Normale Supérieure, after completing a master in cognitive science. During her Ph.D. studies, she studied cuttlefish behavior and discovered a previously undocumented communication signal in this animal: arm wave signs.
What the CUTTLEFISH Are Saying
I am an animal lover, genuinely interested in how animals feel and perceive the world. I have also always been curious about finding ways to connect with animals and understand what they want to convey. When I hear birds singing in a forest, I can't help wondering what they are saying. I am also very focused on animal welfare, especially in captivity. These interests led me to become a neuroscientist with a focus on how the information animals receive via their senses influences their behavior.
Cuttlefish are marine animals, cousins of octopus and squids, and are invertebrates. They do not have a spine like fish do, but their intelligence is comparable to that of mammals! To explain what makes them so special, I like to describe cuttlefish as abstract painters. A cuttlefish can dynamically transform the color of its skin and adjust its contrast to blend into rocky terrain, disappear into sand, and more.
Originally, the function of these patterns was for camouflage; then, over the course of evolution, these shapes and colors acquired a second function: expressing emotions and moods. The cuttlefish turns completely black when displeased or afraid, displays elegant zebra-like stripes to attract mates, or displays alternating waves of black-and-white contrast to hypnotize prey. When a cuttlefish seeks to repel or frighten, it sends the message to stay away by making two small black spots appear symmetrically on either side of its mantle. These visual signs thus constitute the alphabet of its own communication repertoire. To determine which array of forms
to deploy, its complex visual system extracts environmental details like textures, contrasts, sizes, and contours. They have a very sophisticated camera eye, an example of convergent evolution between invertebrates and vertebrates.
This visual information is sent to its central nervous system, located in the optic lobe, forming a communication circuit with its moton eurons, which send signals to the pigment cells of the skin. These chromatophores—true paint-tubes of black, yellow, or white—can be activated or inhibited depending on the signals they receive from the motoneurons. An activation signal stretches the chromatophores, releasing colored pigments, whereas an inhibition signal contracts them. Hence, the cuttlefish displays a neural network visible to the naked eye. Its mantle forms a 2D flat surface that computational scientists can compare to a pixel screen. Cuttlefish pixel art comprises a palette of white squares, triangles, reticulation creating black spots on a bright orange background, spiny textures, and fifty other components that they can combine.
In neuroscience, people use cuttlefish as animal models to understand how their visual system works. At first, we also used cuttlefish to investigate vision, but after spending time with them, I got more generally interested in them; I wanted to study their behavior to improve their wellbeing, and to understand what they say to each other, and possibly to me. That’s how my investigation started.
I was observing one of my beautiful males, and suddenly he
displayed a very unusual movement of his arm that I had never seen before (the "up" sign). I had a strong intuition that this movement was not random and that the animal was trying to communicate something. But what? So, I started to document those signs each time I spotted one and try to understand in which context they would do it. I identified four different types of arm wave signs and performed experiments to attempt to demonstrate that they are used as communication displays.
We are still investigating what exactly the signs mean. They could be used as aversive displays or for courtship. Correlating the signs with the colors on the skin used for communication could provide more clues. For instance, cuttlefish will sometimes appear orange in color, black sport and sign with the wave sign crown at the same time. But other times they will do the wave sign up and display beautiful stripes on their skin.
Cuttlefish have an organ we do not have: the lateral line. Only fish and amphibians have one. It is like an ear on the skin. They can sense vibration in the water. We hypothesize that the arm wave signs could produce specific water waves perceived through the lateral line. Hence, the lateral line could be a perceptual modality cuttlefish use to communicate. They communicate multimodally with visual signals and postures, and spit ink to send chemical signals. We showed that they use arm wave signs to communicate, and we provided the first proof that they can also potentially produce vibration in the water to communicate.
My advice for students interested in careers in neuropathology is simple: anyone can be an animal behavioralist if they have genuine passion, empathy, and curiosity for animals. Jane Goodall, the absolute role model for ethologists, was brave enough to go alone to Africa and immerse herself in the wild with chimpanzees. She did not make her discovery right away. Thanks to her human qualities of empathy, patience, and respect for animals, she managed after months of perseverance to be accepted among the chimps and continued observing them. Observation is key, but animals need to feel that we respect them, approach them with softness and respect (for example, when we handle them), and do not treat them as experimental subjects.
Jane Goodall spread the message that everyone can make a difference. I believe that everyone has their own way of seeing the world and can participate in building knowledge about animal behavior. Hence my advice is for students to draw on their human qualities: keep being curious and open-minded, do not come with preconceived assumptions or reductionist ideas about what animals can or cannot do, and be driven by a passion to treat animals as equals.
Graphics depicting cuttlefish signs are courtesy of Scientific American
YOUR OWN GROWWAY
In celebration of the GROW Gallery and Pavilion’s approaching tenth birthday, the education and exhibits teams have made some exciting updates. The first target: the former “Tractor Run,” which originally featured ride-on pedal tractors. Using invaluable guest input received by a front-end exhibit evaluation, the education team has focused on how guests can grow plants and food themselves, in whatever space is available. As a result, Grow Your Own Way was born!
The brand-new exhibit, which opened in late fall, features how to grow food in various do-it-yourself ways. Whether you have a large backyard, a patio, a small deck, or just a windowsill, this exhibit shows options for growing where you can. Guests wander through the space to see raised beds, different sizes for container gardens, and multiple hanging pots. The eclectic options prove you can grow your own food in almost any sort of container!
A bird's eye view of everything you can learn and explore in GROW.
Grow Your Own Way features two interactive exhibits built by our exhibits team with the help of the science & education and research & evaluation teams. Guests indicated during their front-end evaluation that they enjoy hands-on learning, so creating an interactive experience for them was at the forefront of the design process.
The first exhibit, Wild Mustard, is a deep dive into selective breeding, the scientific process of changing plant characteristics to produce desired traits. Over thousands of years, the selective breeding of wild mustard (Brassica oleracea) resulted in many of the vegetables that we know and enjoy today, such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower.
The second interactive exhibit, Catch the Rain, focuses on soil health and management. Guests can test three soil samples to see which absorbs the most water. The way water interacts with soil affects which crops grow in a given area. Different soil management practices can be put into place, such as adding compost and cover cropping. A special thank you goes out to the amazing guests who helped with hands-on prototyping these exhibits in the spring of 2025!
Our team wanted a peaceful and calming space for guests to sit and enjoy the outdoors among the plants. The exhibits team built multiple seating areas to facilitate this, from our picnic table under the awning to the patio deck, complete with kidfriendly, colorful Adirondack chairs. “We want this to be a space that guests can call their own,” explained GROW & Life Science Manager Clara Hagedorn.
The exhibit also offers answers to questions guests might have before and during gardening, including:
• When and how often should you water?
• What does healthy soil look like?
• How do you pick the right seeds to plant?
• Where and when should certain crops be planted?
• Why do pests keep eating the leaves of the crops?
These questions are answered by local companies and individuals who are contributing to the agricultural technology field to help both big agriculture and small-scale gardeners succeed. Some examples are Seed St. Louis, a local nonprofit that supports
community gardens in the area; Agrela, an agriculture technology startup that developed a precision technology tool to collect data points such as soil moisture in fields; and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation for their advances in collard research.
Cameron Fuller of the Exhibits team stands next to the nearly finished Catch the Rain exhibit.
It’s All Connected
“Making a giant screen film in a 45-minute version and trying to tell a compelling story is a really challenging thing to do, to do the story justice, to tell the environmental story, to fit a lot into a short period of time; it takes a lot of work to get right,” said Tyler Mifflin, director of Secrets of Great Salt Lake, on a recent Zoom call.
But viewers will notice that the film explains the various components involved in sustaining Great Salt Lake seamlessly, a testament to the fantastic work of Mifflin and his colleagues at SK Films. Secrets of Great Salt Lake focuses primarily on efforts to replenish Great Salt Lake, which supports ecosystems involving migratory birds, pronghorn antelopes, and brine shrimp, to name just a few. Those ecosystems are threatened by water loss, caused primarily by diversions for human use. As a result, water conservationists of all backgrounds, from farmers to indigenous groups, are working together to save the lake from decline.
Water conservation is not a new interest of Mifflin’s; in fact, he and his brother Alex starred in five seasons of a series titled The Water Brothers, in which they explore the problems and varied solutions surrounding water supply and conservation in locations all around the world.
Joined by molecular biologist Dr. Bonnie Baxter on this call, the two spent an hour chatting with managing editor of NewScience Lizzy Shake about the process of creating Secrets of Great Salt Lake, as well as the film’s takeaways.
“I’m kind of a weirdo scientist, because since grad school, I wanted to solve this problem in science where scientists don’t really communicate very well outwardly to the public, and so I’ve
dedicated my career to having an outreach arm,” explained Baxter. What better way to spread the messages of her work than on the giant screen?
A transplant to Utah originally from North Carolina, her outsider’s perspective has adapted to the change in her environment much better than some of the creatures in Great Salt Lake have adapted to changes in theirs. “I have learned that people in Utah love nature and the out-of-doors. It’s their playground, and they want generations to experience it.”
Baxter’s work focuses on microbialites, which are essentially living rocks containing microbes and diatoms. “Microbialites are the first evidence of life on our planet,” she explained. “The oldest ones found in the rock record are 3.5 billion years old, so probably just after microbes started life on our planet, cyanobacteria figured out how to do photosynthesis, which changed our planet, because oxygen was available!”
After teaching her students about the planet’s original microbialites, she likes to take them to Great Salt Lake, where we see her in the film, to meet the modern-day versions. “They’re so significant — they do more than 50% of the photosynthesis for the lake. But they’re also vulnerable, so they speak to the crisis.” She explained that microbialites live in the shallows due to better penetration of the sun there. “So they’re going to be the first part of the ecosystem to go.”
Without microbialites, the lake could lose its brine flies and brine shrimp, which eat algae and feed migratory birds, causing a possible collapse of the food chain.
What else can we learn about Great Salt Lake in this film?
Some fun facts about animals that may surprise viewers include:
• Prehistoric camels called camelops once roamed North America!
• Pronghorn antelopes are actually more closely related to giraffes than antelopes.
• Pronghorns are also the second fastest land animals, just behind cheetahs (which makes them challenging to film, Mifflin added).
But none of these interesting wild animal facts hold a candle to two of Utah’s most amazing, weird secrets shown in the film:
First: In 1960, Great Salt Lake was fully divided in two by a causeway, replacing the previous wooden trestle, that supports train tracks running directly across the lake. The result? The northern half of the lake is much saltier due to no longer being fed by freshwater coming into the lake. The lower salinity of the southern half results in a typical blue-green color in the water; the saltier northern half, on the other hand, is a surprising shade of pink, a change that occurred within a few short years.
Second: One of the world’s largest and oldest living organisms is a massive aspen grove in Utah, and every tree in it is a clone of the others. They are all connected by one enormous root system, and the functionality of this grove is a great analogy for managing a watershed due to its ability “to share water between that network of trees. And certain areas of that aspen grove receive more water…but they have connected root systems, so they can share water,” Mifflin explained.
Just like the aspen grove, “We’re all connected in this watershed that we live in, no matter where you are in the world—not just in the Great Salt Lake ecosystem—and we need to find ways to share water and use it more efficiently, for the benefit of all,” he concluded. Mifflin’s advice for people hoping to ensure water conservation is consistent, regardless of location. “Where does your drinking water come from? People don’t protect things unless they feel a connection to them, a love for them. One of the best ways we can
build a movement of protecting our ecosystems is to get out and enjoy nature. Understanding the watershed is a great way to foster a connection with it and encourage people to protect it.”
Thank you to Dr. Bonnie Baxter and Tyler Mifflin not only for taking the time for this interview, but also for visiting us here in St. Louis, where we were pleased to offer the world premiere of Secrets of Great Salt Lake at our OMNIMAX® Member Preview on October 16.
THIS WINTER AT THE
NOW SHOWING OMNIMAX® Theater
Astronomy Dates
DECEMBER 13-14, 2025
Geminid Meteor Shower Peak
The annual Geminid meteor shower will peak on the morning of December 14. In 2025, the peak falls near the new moon, allowing for near-ideal viewing conditions.
DECEMBER 21, 2025
Winter Solstice
The start of astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the Sun will rise at 7:12 AM CST and set at 4:42 PM CST in St. Louis, providing only 9.5 hours of daylight.
JANUARY 10, 2026
Jupiter at Opposition
The best time in 2026 to view the King of the Planets! During opposition, Jupiter rises as the Sun sets and will be visible all night long. Jupiter will also be near the closest point to Earth in its orbit, allowing it to appear at its brightest.
FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Lunar New Year
Millions of people around the world will celebrate the start of a new lunisolar year on February 17. Lunar New Year usually occurs on the second new moon following the winter solstice. In the Chinese Zodiac, this begins the Year of the Horse.
ZERO IN ON XERISCAPING
Who doesn’t like a good makeover?
Especially one that brings on the bees and the butterflies! What was recently a bed of mulch adjacent to the Science Center’s front walkway has become alive with wildflowers. Although now dormant for the winter, that life goes on underground and in plant debris, where beneficial soil dwellers feed on decaying roots and insects overwinter. The wildflower garden has been tricky to establish but a great example of the power of persistence. Our first challenge in the spring of 2024 was establishing a seedbed
Star Shows
The Sky Tonight
This Star Show is different every time you visit!
in which to germinate seeds. We spread a layer of soil over the existing bark mulch and broadcast plentiful annual coreopsis seeds. But we still struggled with inconsistent moisture in an area without access to irrigation or hose hookups. The soil went from mud after rain to a hardpan concrete when dry, and germination was sparse. We needed more organic matter!
In the fall of 2024, we spread compost and were encouraged to see some of the coreopsis self-seed and show signs of spreading. In spring, we sowed a faster-
germinating wildflower seed mix to fill in remaining gaps. The work was hard and felt like trying to rake seeds into a chalkboard in spots where the soil was still poor, but nature prevailed.
Despite an extremely dry late summer, the wildflower garden continued to bloom. By following the xeriscaping practice of native and drought-tolerant plant selection, you too may be able to create a beautiful and affordable landscape without the need for irrigation.
Gateway to the Solar System
Want to discover your gateway to the Solar System? Just look up!
The Little Star that Could Designed for our youngest stargazers.
THE WONDER OF… REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
Chances are, you’ve heard the term regenerative agriculture—but what does it really mean? At its core, regenerative agriculture is a way of farming and ranching that treats soil, water, plants, and animals as interconnected parts of a living system. The goal is not only to produce food, but to restore the land in the process.
The concept isn’t new—farmers and ranchers have long experimented with methods to rebuild soil, conserve water, and
The Regenerative Mindset
Regenerative agriculture begins with curiosity. As no two farms are alike, practices must be adapted to local conditions: soil type, topography, temperature, cropping history, and more. That requires observation, adjustment, and patience. At the same time, regeneration is about stewardship—making decisions today that ensure the land can continue providing for future generations. Producers with this mindset view their operations as systems, not just fields of crops or herds of cattle. Soil biology, water flow, nutrient cycles, and biodiversity are part of the equation, and resilience grows when those pieces work together.
Innovation is Essential
Although regenerative agriculture draws on established practices, it thrives through innovation. Digital farming tools, from drones to soil sensors, give producers real-time feedback about moisture, organic matter, and plant health. These insights make it easier to test new approaches and manage risk in uncertain seasons. Advances in plant breeding are producing cover crops better suited to regional climates, while research into soil microbes is uncovering natural ways to boost root growth and nutrient uptake. Data platforms now allow farmers to track soil carbon, biodiversity, and yields side by side, connecting ecological outcomes with economic performance. Innovation makes regeneration scalable, measurable, and practical in the modern agricultural economy.
protect biodiversity. What’s different now is the urgency. Weather patterns are more volatile, and commodity markets shift quickly as the global population continues to rise. In the US alone, producers make up less than 2% of the population and are continuously being asked to produce more with less, and still turn a profit where margins are razor-thin. Regenerative agriculture offers one path forward, pairing innovation with stewardship to build resilience for the long term.
Regenerative Practices
The hurdles producers face are concrete: bare soil erodes with every rainfall, plowing and tillage weakens soil structure, and monocultures, though efficient, are vulnerable to pests, diseases, and nutrient imbalance.
Regenerative practices respond to these challenges. Cover crops such as pennycress, clover, or radishes keep fields green in the off season, protecting from soil erosion, feeding soil microbes, and locking in carbon. Reducing tillage preserves underground networks that hold water during drought and reduce runoff in floods. Managed livestock grazing can recycle nutrients (manure) and allow pastures to recover.
Diversity is also a cornerstone of regenerative practice. Rotating crops disrupt pest and disease cycles while encouraging beneficial insects and pollinators. Trees and shrubs planted along field edges reduce wind erosion, provide shade, and support wildlife. These practices strengthen farms beyond individual fields, improving entire watersheds, reducing flooding downstream, and ensuring cleaner water for surrounding communities.
Dr. Rishi Masalia (above) is Program Director at the 39 North AgTech Innovation District and Founder of Sage Advice Consulting. He serves on the boards of EarthDay365 and S&T Impact, where he helps advocate for sustainability and science policy. Rishi earned his PhD in Plant Biology from the University of Georgia after completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Arizona. Throughout his career, he has focused on advancing agtech and climate innovations, fostering entrepreneurship, and making science more accessible through clear communication.
EV EXPERIENCE
Our third annual EV Experience returns in 2026 on March 7–8!
Featuring electrifying conversations with our partners, the EV Experience returns to the Science Center, inviting guests to see electric vehicles on display in Boeing Hall and learn more about this cutting-edge field of transportation. Take matters into your own hands as our adult audiences can sign up to drive a number of different EVs during our Ride & Drive events in partnership with Ameren.
Visit slsc.org for more details, and for more automotive fun, plan to visit Ameren at the St. Louis Auto show in January 2026!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 9:30AM-4:30PM SciFest: Engineering Expo
Celebrate Engineering Week 2026 at our free event showcasing the creative problem-solving process that engineering is all about. Meet and learn alongside real engineers and STEM experts who build, invent, and impact the world around us. Participate in a variety of hands-on activities, demonstrations, and presentations. Find inspiration for applying your own creative abilities, and perhaps discover next steps toward a new hobby or career path.
Learn more at slsc.org/scifest.
LAWS OF ATTRACTION!
January 24, 2026
The weeks leading up to Valentine's Day have many of us thinking of all the ways our partners pull us in. But romance isn't the only form of attraction in town! On January 24, 2026, the Science Center will be hosting the perfect date night experience with Science Center Up Late: Laws of Attraction!
We'll be diving deep on all different forms of attraction, from pheromones to fundamental physical forces. Participate in several date night-style activities that get you collaborating with—or competing against!—your partners and friends. Take the evening to explore the Science Center, sharing cherished memories and creating some new ones along the way!
Stay tuned to slsc.org for more details on this hot spot in the middle of a cold winter!
On Saturday, March 21, guests are invited to the Life Science Classroom for a unique Partner Pop Up exploring the world of modern neurosurgery. Led by Dr. Alex P. Michael, chief of neurosurgery at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, and sponsored by Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, this interactive event will give guests the rare chance to experience firsthand how surgeons use cutting-edge tools to treat complex conditions of the brain and spine.
The program will highlight advances in minimally invasive spine and brain surgery, which allow surgeons to perform highly precise procedures through smaller openings, resulting in faster recovery and less risk for patients. Participants will work with real surgical instruments on a spine model, learning how pedicle screws
GIVE SPINAL SURGERY A SPIN! Community STEM Showcase
are placed to stabilize the spine. Guests will also explore how neurosurgeons identify and treat brain tumors using advanced navigation systems—technology that allows tumors to be found and targeted without the need for a large incision.
Designed to be both educational and engaging, this session invites visitors of all ages to try their hand at surgical techniques, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the innovations shaping the future of patient care. It is an exciting opportunity to connect directly with medical professionals and to see how science and technology come together in the operating room.
Join us on March 21 for this hands-on experience in the Life Science Classroom and discover how skill, precision, and innovation are transforming neurosurgery today.
January 17, 2026 9:30am–5:30pm
FREE EVENT
Join us for our annual Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend event showcasing the diversity of the scientific community in St. Louis.
Participate in hands-on activities and see presentations led by STEM role models representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Meet and interact with teens from our Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program.
Alex P. Michael, MD
To Keep STEM Education GROWing
Strong, Science Center Nurtures
Relationships with Local Government, Agriculture, and More
In the nearly ten years since debuting the innovative GROW Gallery, the Science Center has continued to cultivate and nurture strong relationships with local agricultural partners, government officials, and key stakeholders from across the St. Louis and Missouri-Illinois bi-state regions. This summer, the Science Center continued to engage in these ongoing collaborations, demonstrating a commitment to STEM and agriculture that only continues to grow.
meeting with leaders in agriculture.
Below: Christine Cox and Ruth Watt, Science Center colleague, meet Truman the Tiger and talk agriculture with Governor Mike Kehoe and Senator Josh Hawley.
Missouri State Fair
In mid-August, members of the Science Center’s team attended the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Missouri. There, the team connected with key leaders in Missouri agriculture, including Chris Chinn, Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture; Casey Wasser, CEO of the Missouri Soybean Association; and Garret Hawkins, President of Missouri Farm Bureau.
Engaging with elected officials, the team sat down for the Governor’s Ham Breakfast and had the opportunity to speak to
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe about the Science Center and its impactful role in telling the story of agriculture. The team also attended Senator Josh Hawley’s annual Ag Advisory Luncheon, which honored the legacy of the late Senator Kit Bond for his decades of service to Missouri agriculture. Fun highlights from the day included meeting Mizzou’s mascot, Truman the Tiger, and gazing up at “Mama Duck”—the biggest rubber duck in the world (more than 61 feet tall and 74 feet long!).
Above: Christine Cox of the Saint Louis Science Center checks out the World's Largest Rubber Duck at the Missouri State Fair while
Clara Hagedorn, GROW Gallery & Life Science Manager
AgMazing Congressional Staff Tour
Over three days in late August, the Science Center attended the AgMazing Congressional Staff Tour, hosted by the St. Louis Agribusiness Club. This gathering brought together 25 congressional staffers from across the nation to help make informed decisions on important topics like agriculture, food, fuel, natural resources, and transportation.
During the event, attendees participated in tours of Bayer Crop Science, a local Prairie Farms Dairy processing facility, and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, as well as STL City Soccer’s Energizer Park and the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, where the team took a barge ride on the Mississippi River.
As agriculture continues to play a key role right here in Missouri—and throughout the world—these conversations with industry stakeholders and elected officials ensure the Science Center is at the forefront of making the science of agriculture visible, relevant, and accessible for all.
Learn more about the GROW Gallery at slsc.org/grow
ENJOY THE SCIENCE CENTER WITH YOUR COWORKERS!
Team building and company meetings have never been more fun.
Bond and engage with members of your organization by building the catenary arch, learning about chemistry, and taking in a Planetarium Star Show or an OMNIMAX® film together!
Learn more about these activities, as well as available meeting spaces and food options, by contacting Group Sales at 314.289.4424 or by visiting slsc.org/groups.
Celebrating Science and the Impact of the Science Center at WONDER: A Quantum Blast! A NIGHT OF
Quantum mechanics is the science of the very small—so small that the rules of everyday life no longer apply. At that scale, particles can pop in and out of existence, jump across gaps they should not, or behave like waves and particles at the same time. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s full of surprises.
In that spirit, the Saint Louis Science Center’s WONDER: A Quantum Blast fundraiser brought together supporters for an evening of transformative leaps, surprising connections, and a chain reaction that amplified every act of generosity. Together, more than $366.000 was raised in support of our mission to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.
The night began with a cocktail hour that blended fun with scientific wonder. Guests enjoyed test tube shooters and signature cocktails while exploring interactive STEM activities, including laser oscilloscopes, ultraviolet bubbles, a thermal imaging camera, and a mesmerizing Chladni plate demonstration using sound waves, led by Science Center education team members.
KMOV First Alert 4's Cory Stark served as emcee for the evening, guiding attendees through a program that featured remarks from Bobby Sanderson, Chief Institutional Advancement Officer, and Ray Vandiver, President and CEO. The audience was captivated by Chair of the Saint Louis Science Center Board of Commissioners "Molecular Mark" Wrighton's Amazing Science Demonstration, performed with the assistance of Dr. Becky Thompson, the Science Center's Chief Science and Education Officer. Together, they made chemistry and physics come alive with spectacular experiments.
An inspirational highlight came after dinner with the premiere of a video celebrating that the Science Center belongs to everyone. Highlighting the Science Center as the center of science in St. Louis—and a place where science comes to life—the video featured team members, board leaders, volunteers, members, and community partners who emphasized the fact that St. Louis is a science city, with science fueling innovation, discovery, and community.
Following the video, guests were asked to “raise their paddles” to “Fund the Mission” of the Science Center as we step into the future. The amazing moment sparked waves of generosity as paddles flew into the air, representing additional charitable gifts. Each paddle raised helped to catalyze others and demonstrated the deep commitment of the community to ensuring science and innovation remain accessible to all.
The night continued with an energetic afterparty featuring a DJ, allowing guests to continue celebrating and connecting with other supporters into the evening.
WONDER: A Quantum Blast showcased not only the Science Center's ability to make science engaging and approachable but also the strength of the community’s support for the museum’s work and impact.
Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making WONDER—and the Science Center's mission—a success.
Scan here to see more photos from WONDER
Chairs
Mark and Laura Sawyier
Honorary Chairs
Anne and John McDonnell
Risa Zwerling Wrighton and Mark Wrighton
WONDER 2025 Committee
Barry Cervantes
Denise DeCou
Martin and Margaret Israel
Kate Dugan and Daniel Kolta
Christine Jacobs and Hank Webber
Margot and Edward Monser
Kathy and Jim Sherby
Sarah Smith and Dick Fleming
Kevin Staed
Tracie Wolfmeyer
Thank You to Our WONDER Sponsors
Cosmic Explorer Major Sponsor
Emerson
Galaxy Voyager Sponsors
Margot and Edward Monser
Eric and Evelyn Newman Foundation
(Sponsors of the “Molecular Mark” Science Show)
Innovation Sponsors
Ameren
Boeing
Christine Jacobs and Hank Webber
Lewis Rice
Anne and John McDonnell
Sharon and Glen Stettin
Risa Zwerling Wrighton and Mark Wrighton
Discovery Sponsors
Academy of Science St. Louis
Cannonball
Case IH
Enterprise Mobility
First Alert 4
David Kocs
Lockton
Once Films
PGAV Destinations
RGA
Laura and Mark Sawyier
Additional Support Provided by Heartland Coca-Cola
Science Center President & CEO Ray Vandiver
WONDER Chairs Mark and Laura Sawyier
WONDER emcee Cory Stark of KMOV/First Alert 4
WONDER 2025 Supporters and Fund the Mission Donors
Karen and Kelvin Adams
Suzy and Chris Almeida
ArchKey Solutions
Ramon Bahl
Mike Baughman
BioSTL
Lauren Birch
Matthew Blakely
David Blasingame
Denise and Aaron Bobick
Mary and Ken Bower
Karen Branding and Rick Hummell
Carmody MacDonald P.C.
Lisa and Tom Carnahan
Marya and Zack Carpenter
Theresa Carrington
Case IH NAFTA
Susan and Lawrence Casey
Barry Cervantes
Megan and Collin Cissell
Commerce Bank
Jason and Kate Conaway
Lori and Kelly Coulter
CTI
Karen and Jim Dalton
Lisa Darrish
Maria and Enrico Di Cera
Susan and Steve Drapekin
Henry and Ellen Dubinsky
Kate Dugan and Danny Kolta
Ida and Gerald Early
Kristin Eberhart and Joe Korte
Beverly Estes Guyton
Evntiv
Suzanne Fischer
Claire Flowers and Brian Toler
Emily and Colin Frost
GadellNet Consulting Services
Karen and Don Geders
Wendy Geraty
Nancee and Andy Glaser
Stacey Goldman and Tim Greenwald
John Grizzell
Cindi and Keith Guller
Lisa and Matt Hall
Tracy Hart and Tom Hassell
Lindsey Heffner
Margaret and Martin Israel
Cindy and Mark Johnson
Whitney Kaefring and Max Liu
John Kasman
Beth and Tim Kastner
Philip and Tamara Leachman
Diane Lochner
Carol B. Loeb
Anne Lowell
Charles and Rosalyn Lowenhaupt
Peter Mackie
Melissa and Herbert Markwort
Renee and Steven Martin
Linda Martinez
Maureen and Gregg Maryniak
Leslie McClure
Nicole and Gordon McRae
Margot and Edward Monser
Adriana Montano and Shahin Ozdemir
Arianna and Alex Muckerman
Loretta and Mike Muretich
Christopher Nolan
Linda O'Hara
Laura and Steve Poindexter
Melissa Powers and Nirav Patel
Taryn Pulliam
Ashley Pyle
Regional Business Council
Courtney Robles
Romy and Tim Rozar
Beth and Donn Rubin
Bobby Sanderson and David Weiss
Laura and Mark Sawyier
Stephen Sawyier and Beth Holman
Stacie and Mike Scheiner
Catie Schmidt
Anne and Kurt Schroeder
Robert and Susie Schulte
Anna and Mark Sears
Tamara and Douglas Sheffield
Kathleen and James Sherby
Sarah Smith and Dick Fleming
Pam and Steve Solomon
Mary Ann and Andy Srenco
Mary Steward
Diane Ross Swank
Karen and Tony Szweda
Becky Thompson and Bo Hammer
Donna and Ray Vandiver
Christine Jacobs and Hank Webber
Rachel Presti and Jeremy Williams
Kathryn and Richard Winter
Risa Zwerling Wrighton and Mark Wrighton
January Wrighton
Elisha Wrighton
MIX, MAKE, MINGLE
An Exclusive Evening for Einstein Society and Corporate Partner Members
The Saint Louis Science Center has always been more than a museum—it’s a place where curiosity sparks action and big ideas are built. On Thursday, February 5, we’re inviting our Einstein Society and Corporate Partner Members to experience that spirit firsthand with an exclusive evening in our Makerspace.
From 6:00 to 7:30 pm, guests will roll up their sleeves alongside our expert educators for guided, hands-on activities bringing science, technology, and engineering principles to life. With tools in hand and imagination at work, we’re offering a taste of what it means to be a maker: experimenting, tinkering, and discovering in a space designed for creativity. Paired with refreshments and light bites, this evening is more than an inspiring glimpse into the Science Center’s bold future— it’s a celebration of the leadership-level members whose vision and generosity help us chart the course for 2026 and beyond.
Einstein Society and Corporate Partner Members, look for an official invitation coming soon!
Opportunities like this are just one way our Einstein Society and Corporate Partner Members enjoy deeper engagement with the Science Center community. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step behind the scenes and experience science in action, this is the kind of moment waiting for you when you join at these levels.
Saint Louis Science Center
EINSTEIN SOCIETY
The Einstein Society is a catalyzing community of supporters who share our vision for a world where everyone is empowered to discover what science makes possible.
Saint Louis Science Center EINSTEIN SOCIETY
Saint Louis Science Center
Learn more about the Einstein Society at slsc.org/einstein-society.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Saint Louis Science Center CORPORATE PARTNERS
Partner with the Saint Louis Science Center to make a tangible difference in young lives, foster economic growth, and create a more inclusive, skilled workforce.
Learn more about the Corporate Partner Membership program at slsc.org/corporate-partners.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT:
Joel and Joanne Iskiwitch
For some families, the Saint Louis Science Center isn't just a place to visit—it's woven into the fabric of their lives across generations. As longtime Einstein Society members, Joel and Joanne Iskiwitch have cultivated a relationship with the organization that spans from their childhood to today.
"We attended the same elementary school and were always in the same class," they recall. Back then, field trips took them to the Science Center's original location in Clayton at Oak Knoll Park, where they recall one exhibit, “the invisible lady” (a clear model showing the circulatory system, now on display near the Life Science Lab), capturing their young imaginations.
When the Science Center opened its doors in Forest Park, Joel and Joanne were ready to support it from day one. "It was important to us to contribute to the growth of the Science Center so that it could remain free for visitors and especially for families and schoolaged children," they explain.
As parents, they brought their own daughters to explore the Science Center's galleries and exhibits. "The dinosaurs were the first things that they wanted to see as soon as we got there," they remember.
Watching their children's eyes light up with the same sense of discovery they'd experienced decades earlier deepened their connection to the institution. The Discovery Room became a family favorite—so beloved that they even hosted a birthday party there.
Today, with two adult daughters, Joel and Joanne continue to be active Science Center enthusiasts. They enjoy special exhibitions, events with special guests and curators, and shows at the OMNIMAX® Theater and James S. McDonnell Planetarium. One particularly memorable experience was attending a Planetarium show in anticipation of the most recent solar eclipse visible from St. Louis.
Their involvement evolved beyond membership in 1994 when they co-chaired a major celebration commemorating the 25th anniversary of the moon landing. That same year, Joel participated in Leadership St. Louis and was encouraged to deepen his involvement with a nonprofit organization. "Having worked on
the moon landing celebration with the Science Center leadership and having seen up close the vision of the organization, it was easy to say 'yes' when asked to join the Einstein Society steering committee," he says.
Their philanthropic support has included a gift to the Science Center’s Bridge to the Future campaign, which funded a working seismograph previously displayed in the Ecology and Environment gallery. "It was fun to watch," they note. "Because our daughters were young, they could relate to it." The choice reflected their commitment to exhibits that spark curiosity in young minds.
Today, two initiatives particularly excite Joel and Joanne about the Science Center's future. At one end of the workforce pipeline, the Youth Exploring Science program provides youth from communities typically underrepresented in STEM with exposure to science and technology during high school. At the other, the Science Center's partnerships with major St. Louis research universities and biotech startups offer Einstein Society members unique opportunities to visit laboratories and learn about cutting-edge work.
"We believe our support has added to our lives over the years," they say. "We've been able to meet other people who are also interested in science and technology, as well as learn about various aspects of science that we would have otherwise not been introduced to or made aware of."
“It is important to have a world-class science center in St. Louis that is free to enter in order to engage everyone in scientific discovery and learning,” they say. Not only does it allow anyone to experience science without the financial constraint of an entry fee, but it also helps to encourage people to explore the museum who might not otherwise step inside.
"It adds to the prestige of St. Louis to have such a fine and wellrespected science center that is known beyond our community,” they add. “More importantly, keeping it free ensures that every family can experience the same wonder that has enriched our lives for generations.”
Einstein Society Members Go Behind the Scenes at SLU’s CHROME Lab
Saint Louis Science Center Einstein Society members marveled at the possibilities of touch and motion technology on a special tour of Saint Louis University’s CHROME (Collaborative Haptics, Robotics, and Mechatronics) Lab in September. Offered as part of the ongoing Science on the Move series connecting Einstein Society members with St. Louis’ thriving science and innovation scene, the afternoon invited guests into the Sinquefield Science and Engineering Center on SLU’s campus to witness STEM in action.
Welcomed by Science Center Board of Trustee member Dr. Jenna Gorlewicz—who leads the CHROME Lab and serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at Saint Louis University—the guests stepped into the lab, where engineers, educators, and clinical practitioners come together to create new technologies that augment human capabilities. Rotating through six stations, the attendees saw and felt prototypes from the students, asked questions, and got a deeper understanding of how touch and robotics can work together—in particular, how they can help individuals who are blind or visually impaired more easily interact with the world around them.
Thank you to our Einstein Society members for joining us and to the SLU CHROME Lab team for making this day possible!
Loeb Prize Celebration Highlights Impact and Future of 30-Year Partnership Elevating Teachers
On September 25, the Saint Louis Science Center commemorated three decades of recognizing innovative teachers through the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. Teaching Tomorrow: Innovations in STEM Education, held at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, began with a video celebrating the vision and hands-on dedication of Carol B. and Jerry Loeb before launching into a panel discussion on the landscape of transformation in math and science teaching.
Moderated by Science Center President and CEO Ray Vandiver, the panel discussed how the Science Center will continue elevating best practices in education through partnership with our community. Panelists included Dr. Kelvin Adams (St. Louis Community Foundation President & CEO, secretary of the Saint Louis Science Center Board of Commissioners, and retired superintendent of Saint Louis Public School District), Elisabeth Greenwood (2024 Loeb Prize winner and current judge), Victoria May (Executive Director of the Institute for School Partnership at Washington University and a former Loeb Prize judge), and Dr. Becky Thompson (Chief Science and Education Officer at the Science Center).
“The Science Center is about connecting people with the math and science that shape our world, and teachers are essential to that mission,” says Vandiver. “That’s what the Loeb Prize is all about, and it speaks volumes on the Loeb family’s generosity and Carol’s experience as a teacher. She pours her time and heart into the prize, year after year. It’s an honor to celebrate Carol’s vision and the tremendous opportunities that still lie ahead.”
Learn more about the Loeb Prize at slsc.org/loeb-prize
Carol B. Loeb and Science Center President and CEO Ray Vandiver
Curie Society Lunch Offers an Inside View of the Future and a Guided Tour of the Past
Members of the Saint Louis Science Center’s Curie Society gathered at the museum in August for an exclusive afternoon celebrating their generous commitment to sparking curiosity.
Named for Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie—whose work in atomic elements, radioactivity, and chemistry left an enduring legacy of scientific impact—the Curie Society recognizes supporters who leave their own legacy by inspiring future generations through planned giving.
Guests enjoyed lunch with Science Center President and CEO Ray Vandiver, where he shared updates on Science Center achievements, collaborative planning, and the framework upon which his vision will unfold.
Following lunch, Curie Society members gathered inside Boeing Hall for a guided tour of the Science Center’s summer special exhibition, POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION. Led by Kaylia Eskew, Manager of Special Exhibitions and Featured Experiences, and Amie Green, a member of the Special Exhibitions team who has worked at the real Pompeii site, the attendees were treated to up-close looks at exhibition artifacts, in-depth details about the city of Pompeii, and more.
“We have always enjoyed the Science Center and Planetarium and were so happy to see how highly it is rated,” say Curie Society members Larry and Marlene Lewis. “We are also so impressed with the plans for the Science Center. And what a wonderful tour!”
In Memoriam:
Samuel B. Hayes III
The Saint Louis Science Center team was saddened to learn of the passing of Samuel B. Hayes III on September 25, 2025. His leadership at Boatmen’s Bank as its president brought him to St. Louis; he also served as president of The Bank of Oklahoma. Mr. Hayes, a true enthusiast of strengthening the St. Louis community, served on the Science Center’s Board of Commissioners from 1989–1999 and was Chairman of the Board of Commissioners from 1992–1995. Afterward, he served on the Board of Trustees from 2000–2007. In addition to his service to the Science Center, he also chaired the board at Forest Park Forever.
If you have included the Science Center in your estate giving plans, or wish to learn more about these opportunities, please call Bobby Sanderson at 314.289.4462.
Curie Society members will be included in a special event with the Science Center President & CEO and will be listed as Curie Society members in publications and on the Science Center’s donor wall.
Join others whose generous impact on wonder and discovery will endure! Explore the many ways to make a planned gift that is right for you at slsc.org/planned-giving
In the Science Center’s 1993 Annual Report, Mr. Hayes wrote, “We remain dedicated to providing opportunities for learning, growing, and developing, and offering tools and expertise to the communities we serve.” We sincerely hope we have lived up to his early vision of the Saint Louis Science Center as “a leader in shaping St. Louis’ vision of what education can be” and hope to sustain the pledge he made “to continue discovering the best in science education” and providing it to the St. Louis region.
Hayes’ family encourages those who would like to honor his legacy of philanthropy to consider a donation to the Saint Louis Science Center.
To learn more or make a tribute gift, visit slsc.org/tribute
The Science Center invites you to join the Curie Society. Manager of Special Exhibitions & Featured Experiences Kaylia Eskew provides the members of the Curie Society with a closer look at one of the artifacts featured in POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION
NewScience is always GREEN
The Saint Louis Science Center is a committed steward of the environment. We are proud to continue to offer the digital and interactive version of NewScience at slsc.org/newscience
If you would like to opt for a sustainable choice and only view NewScience digitally, please send an email to us at memberships@slsc.org to no longer receive a paper subscription.
