Richard Thomas
Exhibit Design Director
My primary role is to create concepts, provide design direction, and manage fabrication and installations for new Science Center exhibits.
What is your favorite memory of the Connecticut Science Center?
I have a lot of favorite memories.The one with the most lasting impression is being a part of the creation of this wonderful institution and the part I played in it. This speaks to the years prior to opening our doors in 2009. To me it was a once in a lifetime experience to be involved with the design and installation of our permanent exhibits, the building design and construction, as well as with the creation and growth of the institution itself.
What is your favorite exhibit/event (past or current) at the Connecticut Science Center?
My favorite exhibit is hard to pinpoint. I’m a designer so exhibition design is my passion, so all of them are favorites in that regard. But more importantly, there is nothing like seeing a concept on paper transform into a unique experience that our visitors interact with, enjoy, and learn from.
What are some changes you’ve noticed at the Connecticut Science Center over the past 10 years?
The tremendous growth – from a literal start-up organization to a mature institution run by an amazing dedicated and talented staff.The physical spaces have also undergone changes in the years since we opened – from utilizing under-performing areas, re-engineering existing exhibits to make them better, and creating more immersive gallery experiences.
How has your role at the Connecticut Science Center evolved over the past 10 years?
My role at the Science Center has grown from monitoring and guiding the initial design and fabrication of our permanent exhibits at opening and maintaining them , to creating new exhibit experiences on a full-time basis. My role is also more integral to a larger internal team that guides the development and creation of our new exhibits
What are you most looking forward to seeing happen at the Connecticut Science Center in the next upcoming 10 years?
I hope to see us continue to grow as an institution, which I know we will. We are still relatively young with a lot of cutting edge ideas that are helping us to keep ahead of the curve – so there is much more to come.
Caity Leamy
Senior Reservation Center & Data Coordinator
I am Caity Leamy, Senior Reservation Center & Data Coordinator, Queen of the Science Center’s data, Protector of Group Bookings, Mother of Custom Reports, and Database Keeper of the realm.
What is your favorite memory of the Connecticut Science Center?
The past 10 years have provided me with many favorite memories – I don’t know that I can limit myself to just one.
What is your favorite exhibit/event (past or current) at the Connecticut Science Center?
I’d have to say that my favorite exhibit is our Rooftop Garden. It’s evolved so much since we first opened, and it’s really peaceful and relaxing to visit.
What are some changes you’ve noticed at the Connecticut Science Center over the past 10 years?
One of the cool things about working here is that we have a very diverse staff with tons of different skill sets. I think we are really starting to utilize these skills in ways that sometimes land outside of our job descriptions, in a positive way.
How has your role at the Connecticut Science Center evolved over the past 10 years?
I started at the Science Center as a seasonal employee in my first year of college, and have been given the opportunity to grow in multiple positions before landing in my current one. I’ve really enjoyed working with customers in a face-to-face setting, but I think my skills lean more toward an administrative role.
What are you most looking forward to seeing happen at the Connecticut Science Center in the next upcoming 10 years?
I’m really looking forward to see how we creatively expand within our building. Over the years we’ve done a really excellent job of reinventing and repurposing some of our spaces for new exhibits, new labs, our Butterfly Encounter etc. and I look forward to seeing what’s next on our roadmap.
Amanda Coletti is a Communications Research Assistant at the Connecticut Science Center and a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication at the University of Connecticut, where she studies the science behind science communication.
