Ellenbogen, Kirsten

Education: Ph.D., Vanderbilt University; bachelor’s degree, University of Chicago

Favorite Quote: “Give people facts and you feed their minds for an hour. Awaken curiosity and they feed their own minds for a lifetime.” — Ian Russell

Proudest Moment: I have a professional proud moment underway right now. I am chair of a committee for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The committee is convening a conference that will serve as an inflection point for informal science and engineering learning environments. It’s an important state-of-the-field moment as we reflect back on 15 years since the publication of a pivotal document, Learning Science in Informal Environments. And it is especially poignant to have this leadership role at a time when scientific research and museums face so many challenges. It is an honor to be bringing the field together for this critical conversation. 

If I Were a Character from a TV Show or Movie, I’d Be: Beakman from Beakman’s World — I definitely have the hair for it.