SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The California Academy of Sciences has appointed Scott D. Sampson,
Ph.D.—a renowned paleontologist, passionate science communicator, and
seasoned museum leader—to serve as its new executive director. Following
a comprehensive international search, the Academy’s Board of Trustees
selected Dr. Sampson to lead the institution in its mission to explore,
explain, and sustain life. Sampson is currently the President and CEO of
Science World British Columbia, one of Canada’s premier science centers.
He will begin his tenure at the Academy on September 3, 2019.
“Through its world-class scientific research and collections, its
renowned aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, and its
innovative science communication and education initiatives, the
California Academy of Sciences is inspiring local and global communities
to care for nature and take action for a sustainable future,” said Liebe
Patterson, chair of the Academy’s Board of Trustees. “Dr. Sampson is
uniquely qualified to build on the Academy’s proud legacy and
successfully steer the institution during this exciting chapter in its
165-year history.” Sampson will succeed Jonathan Foley, Ph.D., who led
the Academy for four years before taking a new role as the Executive
Director of Project Drawdown.
To some, namely preschoolers and their parents, Sampson may be best
known as “Dr. Scott the Paleontologist,” the on-air host for the
Emmy-nominated PBS KIDS television series Dinosaur Train. Outside
of this enthusiastic audience, however, Sampson is better known for his
many other contributions to scientific research and public engagement.
Among his peers in the scientific community, Sampson is highly regarded
for his expertise on Late Cretaceous dinosaurs, from theropods in
Madagascar to horned dinosaurs in North America. And in the museum
community, Sampson is celebrated as a skilled organizational leader, a
passionate advocate for connecting people to nature, and a champion for
the critical role that collections-based scientific institutions like
the Academy play in global efforts to understand and sustain life on
Earth.
During his tenure at Science World British Columbia, Sampson has
launched a suite of bold new programs designed to dramatically scale
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/design & Math) literacy
across the province and facilitate a more sustainable future. He has
also focused on operating a sustainable, equitable institution. Over the
past three years, the science center’s attendance and revenue have
increased by 30%, and the institution has introduced a number of new
initiatives aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion,
including community access and engagement programs for underserved and
Indigenous communities.
“Dr. Sampson’s commitment to inspiring a deeper appreciation for nature
and increasing scientific literacy among diverse audiences coupled with
his proven leadership record made him the ideal candidate to lead the
Academy as it continues to expand its efforts to shape the science and
issues that will determine our collective future,” said Dan Janney,
Academy trustee and chair of the California Academy of Sciences Director
Search Committee. “Dr. Sampson brings a unique blend of scientific
credibility, compelling science communication skills, fundraising
experience, and capacity for building partnerships to his role as
executive director.”
Before joining Science World British Columbia in 2016, Sampson served as
the Vice President of Research and Collections at the Denver Museum of
Nature & Science and, prior to that, Chief Curator at the Natural
History Museum of Utah. He has also worked as an independent museum and
media consultant, advising on fundraising and exhibition design for
clients including the American Museum of Natural History and the Oakland
Museum of California. In addition to his role as a science advisor and
host for Dinosaur Train, Sampson has extensive media and science
communication experience, including as the science advisor and host of
the four-part Discovery Channel series Dinosaur Planet and as the
author of multiple books for general audiences, including: Dinosaur
Odyssey: Fossil Threads in the Web of Life (University of California
Press, 2009); How to Raise a Wild Child, a book aimed at helping
parents, teachers, and others foster a deep connection with nature in
children (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015); and You Can Be A
Paleontologist, a book for young enthusiasts of dinosaurs, science,
and nature (National Geographic, 2017).
“The California Academy of Sciences is a truly remarkable institution
with world class research, exhibitions, and programs built on a deep and
distinguished history,” says Sampson. “I am thrilled and honored to be
joining the team, particularly at such a critical moment in our planet’s
history. Now, more than ever before, nature and science museums are
called upon to help move humanity, and all life on Earth, toward a
thriving future. The Academy is ideally suited to play a pivotal role in
this effort.”
Sampson has won numerous awards and honors, including the Public Service
Award from the Geological Society of America, the Lifetime Legacy Award
from Environmental Learning for Kids, and Time Magazine Canada’s “Who
Defines the new Frontiers of Science” list. He also served as the
National Ambassador for Nature Rocks, a global initiative of The Nature
Conservancy aimed at inspiring families to explore nature.
“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Sampson to the City and County of San
Francisco to lead the California Academy of Sciences,” said San
Francisco Mayor London Breed. “Dr. Sampson’s experience in scientific
research and his history of developing innovative initiatives that
expose families and young people to the world of science will be
exceptional assets for the Academy and our City. The Academy of Sciences
provides an amazing educational experience for our families and our
residents, and with its commitment to Museums for All, the Academy is
helping to make San Francisco a more equitable City. Under Dr. Sampson’s
leadership, I look forward to working with the Academy to ensure
everyone has access to this incredible institution and to help promote a
more sustainable future for our City and our planet.”
Editors, please note: For high-resolution images or further
information, please contact Stephanie Stone at (415) 379-5121 or [email protected].
The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and
educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining, and
sustaining life on Earth. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it
is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history
museum, as well as innovative programs in scientific research and
education—all under one living roof. To learn more, visit www.calacademy.org.
Contacts
Stephanie Stone (415) 379-5121
[email protected]
Kelly
Mendez (415) 379-5133
[email protected]
