Arizona Science Center Invests in Staff to Enhance Visitor Experience

Local Science Center Aims to Develop Impact of Programming with Hopes to Boost Attendance

PHOENIX, AZ - August 7, 2024 – After 40 years of leading the charge in STEM education and becoming a staple institution in Arizona, Arizona Science Center is determined to continue to instill a passion for science and technology in Valley students, parents and adults. As a part of the Science Center’s new goals, the team is committed to investing in people.

As many organizations learn over time, the staff is the core of any successful business. Investing in the people at the forefront of an operation is crucial to continued success and consumer satisfaction. As one leg of Arizona Science Center’s strategy, the team is investing in people to create a stronger team that will improve visitor experiences now and into the future. 

Over the last 8 months, the Science Center has been hiring and recruiting talent to elevate the guest experience and rethink how its spaces are used to engage and grow our audiences, increase revenues, and expand their work and impact. Through this process, nine team members have been hired or elevated to staff and senior scientist roles within the organization. Some of these key team members include:Madison Rohm, a former teacher who is leading efforts to elevate training and coaching in Science Communication.

  • Ren Martin, a Senior Scientist with over eight years of hands-on curriculum development.
  • Alix Bierson, will head up education in the Earth and Environmental Sciences department.
  • Jazz Cano, a Senior Scientist in the Computer Science and Technology space, with over eight years of STEM education experience.
  • Ashe Gibson, an Earth and Environmental Sciences scientist who has spent hands-on time working with Desert Botanical Garden and Keep Phoenix Beautiful.
  • Cody Bergkamp, a former High School Science teacher and expert in biology and psychology studies, will assist in Biological Sciences education.
  • Cameron Piotti, a NASA Community College Aerospace Scholar Alumni, former Public Programs Educator at Lowell Observatory and NASA Space Grant Intern, joined the team as a staff scientist in the Astronomy and Astrophysics department.
  • Melodia Blachowicz, who is working on a master’s degree in Robotics, will assist as a Staff Scientist in the Chemistry and Physics department.
  • Esther Groves, a 10-year veteran at Arizona Science Center, was elevated to Staff Scientist in the Makerspace.
  • Annie Ethington, a community performing artist with over 7 years of acting experience, will be integrating arts into our programs.

While the Science Center has already started to devote more time and assets to its staff, the team plans to continue efforts further over the next six months, with hopes to recruit two additional Senior Scientist team members. 

With all of these changes and developments, Arizona Science Center aims to see growth in attendance and an increase in revenue by 10% following the implementation of this new staffing model and talent acquisition, in addition to improvements in customer satisfaction ratings. 

For more information about Arizona Science Center and its plans for the future, visit www.azscience.org/about/strategic-plan.

For Media Inquiries:
Contact: Megan Sawyer, megan@evolveprandmarketing.com
Contact: Kristina Celik, celikk@azscience.com 

About Arizona Science Center 
Located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, a five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, traveling exhibitions, and exciting science programs. The Center offers programs for all ages, including Science on Wheels, CAMP INNOVATION, Teen programs, Professional Development, and Adults’ Night Out: Science With A Twist. Whether onsite or at your location–get ready to embark on a hands-on STEM learning journey you’ll never forget. To learn more or to reserve tickets, visit azscience.org or call 602.716.2000.

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