In May 2006, Dr. Dennis M. Bartels joined the Exploratorium as its Executive Director.

A nationally known science education and policy expert, Dr. Bartels holds a Ph.D. in Education Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University. He also has the distinction of being named a Fellow on Education by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his leadership in systemic science education reform, information science education, and research and development of innovative mathematics, science, and technology curricula.

Before taking on the role of Exploratorium Executive Director, Dr. Bartels served for five years as President of TERC (Technical Education Research Centers), a leading national mathematics, science, and technology education research and development center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In that capacity, he oversaw an $18 million yearly budget, $32 million in ongoing grants, and a staff of 140 engaged in developing award-winning products, tools, and curricula for students and teachers in K–12 classrooms. He was also instrumental in establishing a successful and innovative Masters Degree program, offered online for elementary and middle school science teachers across the U.S. and abroad.

For five years prior to his work at TERC, Dr. Bartels was the Director of the Exploratorium’s own Center for Learning and Teaching, where he directed educational programming and was responsible for the establishment of Exhibit-Based Teaching Partnerships programs in science centers around the world, including in Beijing, China. He directed a statewide education reform initiative at the South Carolina Department of Education, funded by the National Science Foundation, and worked with the University of California on school improvement efforts and other collaborative programs with the California State University and California Department of Education.

According to William K. Bowes, Chairman of the Exploratorium’s Board, Dr. Bartels was chosen as the Exploratorium’s Executive Director based on his background in science education and policy, management, and administration, as well as his vision for the Exploratorium’s future.

The Exploratorium was founded in 1969 by physicist and educator Dr. Frank Oppenheimer, who served as the museum’s director until his death in 1985. From 1991 until 2005, the museum was led by renowned French scientist and educator Dr. Goéry Delacôte.