About Exploratorium

This professional has transformed from a field geologist to a distinguished science educator over a career spanning nearly three decades. Their academic foundation includes a B.S. in Earth Science from UC Santa Cruz and an M.A. in Education from Columbia University, enhanced by their experience as a Wright Fellow at Tufts University's Wright Center for Innovation in Science Education. For the past twenty years, they have been a cornerstone of the Exploratorium Teacher Institute, where they focus on disseminating scientific content online and providing professional development for educators worldwide. Their impact on science education extends globally through workshops conducted across diverse locations from India to Costa Rica and Alaska to Australia. Their contributions to science education include authoring articles for prestigious publications such as The Science Teacher, The Physics Teacher, and various museum publications. Their unique background, beginning with geological fieldwork in the American Southwest before transitioning to education, brings a practical, hands-on perspective to their teaching methodology. Their work combines real-world scientific experience with innovative educational approaches, making complex scientific concepts accessible to educators and students worldwide.

Karen Wilkinson has established herself as a transformative figure in museum education through her role as Director of The Tinkering Studio at San Francisco's Exploratorium. Her innovative approach to learning combines playful experimentation with hands-on discovery, fundamentally shaped by constructionist principles and studio thinking methodology. With over two decades of experience in museum education, Wilkinson's expertise spans both education and technology sectors. Her most significant contribution to the field is co-authoring "The Art of Tinkering" with Mike Petrich, a comprehensive work that showcases the creative endeavors of makers and tinkerers who work at the intersection of art, science, and technology within the museum's walls. The book, which emerged from her practical experience at the Tinkering Studio, serves as a foundation for educational courses and demonstrates her commitment to fostering an environment where learning occurs through active engagement and creative exploration. Her leadership has helped establish the Tinkering Studio as a premier space for experimental learning, where visitors can engage with scientific phenomena through hands-on experiences and collaborative projects

Luigi Anzivino serves as the Professional Development Lead at the Exploratorium, where he is dedicated to fostering a culture of learning through hands-on, experiential activities. With a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience and 24 years of formal education, Luigi transitioned from academia to informal education, discovering his passion for constructionism and tinkering as a Field Trip Explainer at the Exploratorium. In his role at the Tinkering Studio, he designs and facilitates innovative making activities that encourage participants to explore and experiment without the fear of failure. His focus is on creating an inclusive environment that promotes curiosity, problem posing, and creative thinking, allowing learners to engage in rich educational experiences. Luigi believes in the power of messy and inventive learning processes and is committed to developing spaces where individuals can freely explore tentative ideas. Known for his engaging personality, he often delights audiences with magic tricks, reflecting his belief in the joy of discovery and playfulness in learning.

Mike Petrich has dedicated two decades to revolutionizing experiential learning as a leader within the Tinkering Studio, bringing a unique perspective shaped by his diverse background in fine arts, filmmaking, and photography. His educational philosophy, grounded in a graduate degree in education design and technology, focuses on creating environments that foster self-directed learning and deep thinking. His approach combines careful observation skills from his artistic background with facilitation techniques that allow learners to develop their own unique understandings of the world. Over his 20-year career, he has worked with an remarkably diverse range of audiences, from museum visitors and primary school students to Tibetan monks and prison inmates, demonstrating the universal applicability of his learning methodology. His co-authorship of "The Art of Tinkering" reflects his commitment to creating spaces where people can explore, experiment, and develop their own understanding through hands-on experiences. Through his leadership role at the Tinkering Studio, he continues to design and implement innovative learning environments that encourage creative exploration and personal discovery

Paul Doherty has forged a remarkable career combining academic excellence with hands-on science education and adventurous pursuits. Armed with a Ph.D. in solid-state physics from MIT, he began as a tenured professor at Oakland University, teaching an impressive range of science courses before joining the Exploratorium Teacher Institute in 1986. His impact on science education extends through his prolific writing, including numerous articles for Exploring magazine and co-authorship of significant works like the Exploratorium Science Snackbook and Traces of Time: The Beauty of Change in Nature. Doherty's unique approach to science communication includes his entertaining performances with the whirly, earning him recognition as "Best Science Demonstrator" at the 1996 World Congress of Museums in Helsinki and leading to an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. His passion for physical challenges manifests in his dedication to rock climbing, completing two vertical marathons spanning 26 miles of climbs, demonstrating his commitment to pushing boundaries in both scientific education and personal achievement

Zeke Geary brings over two decades of diverse teaching experience to his role as Teacher-In-Residence at the Exploratorium's Teacher Institute, where he specializes in training and supporting coaches who mentor novice science teachers. His 21-year journey teaching high school science across major cities including Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, and San Francisco has shaped his educational philosophy that emphasizes student-constructed understanding. His expertise earned him recognition as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the National Science Foundation in 2011, where he contributed significantly to science education policy, including authoring a white paper on incorporating large datasets in classroom instruction. Beyond his academic contributions, Geary has served as a science advisor for NBC Learn and Discovery Digital, expanding his impact on science education through media. His unique approach to making complex scientific concepts accessible is exemplified through his physics circus shows, where he reverses the traditional magic show concept by making confusing concepts clear and understandable rather than mystifying the simple.