 Experts & Story Tips
COSI Columbus’ Staff Guide for Print and Broadcast Media If you are interested in interviewing an individual please contact: Kelli Nowinsky, COSI PR Manager at 614.629.3114 or knowinsky@mail.cosi.org List of COSI experts in the fields of science, space, & education: EducationDr. Chesebrough is the President and Chief Executive Officer of COSI in Columbus, Ohio and began his leadership of COSI in April 2006. In his role as President, he is currently leading the COSI Team in further expanding the institution’s positive impact in the learning opportunities for families, students, teachers and teens as well as a serving as a respected science center and community gathering place for approximately one million people each year.Dr. Chesebrough has led the effort to establish strategic partnerships with The Ohio State University, Battelle Memorial Institute, TechColumbus and others resulting in expanded opportunities for all to explore science, technology, engineering, math and health advancements in Central Ohio to encourage and inspire youth to pursue careers in these areas. Prior to joining COSI, Dr. Chesebrough was President & CEO of the Buffalo Museum of Science for over five years where he led the rejuvenation of the institution, the development of its innovative strategic plan, and the first investment of $3 million dollars into its implementation. From 1995-2000, Dr. Chesebrough served five years as Executive Director at the Roberson Museum and Science Center in Binghamton, New York where he raised five million dollars to jump-start its rejuvenation. Earlier in his career, Dr. Chesebrough was part of the management team that designed, fundraised for, built and opened the $57 million dollar Carnegie Science Center where he spent eight years in various educational and development leadership positions. He was a former educator and administrator at the secondary and collegiate level for 15 years prior to switching to the museum field in 1987. He also served as an educational curriculum developer and consultant to Apple Computer, Microsoft, and other computer software companies during that time. In 2003, the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), the international organization representing science centers around the world, asked Dr. Chesebrough to help stimulate and lead the discussion about new science center models. In concert with other national and international science center and free-choice learning experts and leaders, he has been involved continuously in this effort through workshops, writings, and online forums. He continues this work though both ASTC and COSI Columbus. In 2007, Chesebrough was elected to the ASTC Board of Directors. Dr. Chesebrough completed his doctoral research at Duquesne University at Pittsburgh. His nationally noted research focused on Museum-Community Partnerships, was cosponsored by the American Association of Museums, and has led to many professional activities tapping his expertise on partnerships. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh completing his bachelor's and master's degrees in physics, math, and science education. He has authored numerous books, feature stories, articles, newspaper columns, and publications in the computer, education, science center and environmental fields. Dr. Chesebrough has served on various local, state, and national boards and advisories in education, museum, public broadcasting and tourism capacities for over 30 years. Currently, he serves as a Vice President for the Association of Science Museum Directors, is a member of ASTC’s Leadership & Professional Development Committee, is on the board of Children’s Research Institute (a component of Nationwide Children’s Hospital) and served on the Creative Columbus Policy Commission. Chesebrough is an Arts & Sciences Faculty Fellow at The Ohio State University. Early Childhood DevelopmentDr. Kimberlee L. Whaley is Vice President for Education at COSI Columbus. Before joining COSI full time in 2000, she served for 10 years as Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science and State Extension Specialist, at The Ohio State University, Columbus. In that role she was also Curriculum Coordinator for the A. Sophie Rogers Laboratory for Child and Family Studies and served as Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Human Ecology. Dr. Whaley is published widely in many professional journals. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from SUNY Geneseo, a Master’s degree in education from The College of St. Rose, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University. Math & PhysicsSteve Whitt, Team Leader for Gadgets and Gadgets Stage, has worked both on the front lines and as a behind-the-scenes exhibit developer for over 12 years. Steve served as a content developer and writer for both the COSI Toledo and COSI Columbus building projects and later worked on content development for museums in Charleston, WV, Newport, KY, and Dayton, OH. Recently Steve has returned to his first love, performing high-energy science demonstrations for guests at COSI Columbus. Mr. Whitt continues to develop new shows and presentations, many of which can be seen daily on the Gadgets Stage, in the Gadgets Exhibit Area, and in the Gadgets Café. Steve is also a published science writer, with articles appearing in children’s magazines such as Odyssey, Spider, and Highlights for Children. Steve holds a bachelor of science in mathematics and physics education from The Ohio State University. |
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