Childhood exposure to science through museums

Chloe Kirk* and Sewar Banimusa

Edited by Laura Shupp

Interview | Aug. 31 2023

*Email: chloe.kirk@gmail.com

DOI: 10.38105/spr.r44opgow8w

Article Summary

Andrea Ingram is an experienced lawyer, public policy advocate, social service agency executive, and a cultural institution thought leader. She currently serves as the President and CEO at DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM). Ingram’s work has focused on building networks to connect underserved and underrepresented communities and families to exceptional learning experiences. As the Vice President of Education and Guest Services at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) for 13 years, she developed the nationally recognized “Welcome to Science Initiative;” as the Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Information for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Ingram designed systems to connect resources to youth while leading the application of research to policy; as the Director of Budget and Tax Policy for Voices of Illinois Children, Ingram became a leading expert and advocate on the fiscal policy that impacts children and families. Two childhood educators founded DuPage Children’s Museum in 1987 with the vision of providing access for all children to playful learning experiences that support the development of their creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Building on the foundation of DCM’s 35 years of impact, Ingram is now leading DCM in a transformation that supports children and youth across Illinois in becoming innovators, scientists, and solution builders of global challenges through a local lens. MIT SPR spoke to Ingram about removing the barriers and developing policies to promote children’s engagement in science through museums.

Open Access

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Chloe Kirk

Stephen Lee Lab, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL

Sewar Banimusa

School of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Jordan