Kirsten Ellenbogen

Experience

1. President & CEO

   Great Lakes Science Center

   May 2013 — Present

   Dr. Kirsten Ellenbogen began her tenure as third President and CEO of Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) in 2013 with a strategic initiative developed in collaboration with corporate leaders to change the community’s narrative around advanced manufacturing for diverse middle-school youth and families. This work was recognized by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, who chose GLSC as the unveiling site for the National Week of Making with Mythbuster’s host Adam Savage in 2016. Most recently, GLSC has launched Cleveland Connections: a new initiative integrating emerging technologies, such as blockchain and industrial internet of things, to educate and empower youth in developing personal and community solutions. She leads an innovative and committed team at GLSC that has used the best scientific research to develop safe operating models, allowing them to continue to serve families and schools during the public health and economic crises that have magnified persistent racial inequities in our community. GLSC has been honored for this work and named a 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service finalist, recognizing their pioneering approaches and deep community partnerships during this time. Since 2022, GLSC has been voted a top ten science museum in the USA Today 10Best Readers\' Choice travel awards.

Education

• University of Chicago

  BA, Fundamentals: Issues & Texts

  1987 — 1987

• Vanderbilt University

  PhD, Science Education

• Cass Technical High School

  High School

  1984 — 1987