The Science Mill, an interactive science museum and STEM careers education non-profit, has selected Peter Claffey as Chief Executive Officer, following a nation-wide search. Claffey most recently served as Executive Director at Knock Knock Children’s Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Claffey brings two decades of leadership experience at community-focused science and youth museums. As Executive Director of Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco, Texas, he built successful partnerships with local independent school districts and city officials that increased students’ access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming.
Baskin, a career scientist and entrepreneur, established the Science Mill in 2015 having previously founded and served as CEO for two successful biotechnology companies. Her team has transformed an historic 1880s grist mill into a regional destination for families and schools through state-of-the-art, highly interactive exhibits and programs that ignite curiosity in STEM and invite kids to step into STEM careers.
“Providing all kids with opportunities to learn by doing is a passion of mine,” said Claffey, who has previously launched Maker Space programs at other institutions. “I identified immediately with the Science Mill’s hands-on, minds-on approach and its mission to nurture students’ inquiry, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills as future STEM leaders.”