Lin Erickson, Executive Director and CEO of Da
Vinci Science Center, is dedicated to advancing STEAM
learning– the integration of the Arts with Science, Technology, Engineering and
Math — and committed to creating opportunities for every individual to engage
in STEAM, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Erickson has spearheaded the Science Center’s development
since returning as CEO in 2013; she served as its Executive Director previously
from 1997-2005.
The award-winning Da Vinci Science Center had
a record-breaking year in 2023, welcoming over 160,000 visitors and program
participants, and under Erickson’s leadership, resumed operations in full in
2021 after successfully adapting to changes brought on by the pandemic.
Today, Erickson is the driving force behind
the building of the new $75 million Da Vinci Science Center at PPL Pavilion,
slated to open in the spring of 2024 in downtown Allentown.
Erickson’s commitment to the community has contributed
to strong educational and community relationships and established the Science
Center as a fundamental community partner as it prepares to open a new facility
in the heart of Allentown.
Erickson is an advocate for removing barriers
to STEAM for traditionally underrepresented groups and was instrumental in
introducing the Science Center’s Women In Science
and Engineering (WISE) Initiative in 2015.
Most recently, she led the formation of an
innovative partnership with the Allentown School District (ASD) that provides
ASD students with state-of-the-art immersive learning experiences in Science,
Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics, or STREAM, at the soon-to-open Da Vinci Science Center at
PPL Pavilion in downtown Allentown and expands ASD capacity for next generation
science, teaching, and learning.
She continues to
advocate for equitable STEAM education for all and is an active member of the
Project Equity initiative led by Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United
Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. She was named a 2021 Take the Lead honoree by
the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. The award recognizes women whose
leadership and professional achievements have a positive impact in their
community. Erickson also is the
recipient of the 2020 Circle of Excellence Award from the Lehigh Valley Business Women of Influence.
Erickson has over 35
years of experience spearheading educational initiatives for students from
kindergarten through college – raising more than $125 million from public and
private sources. She was Chief Development Officer of the Air Force Museum Foundation in Dayton, Ohio, from 2011-2013, and Director of Government,
Corporate, and Foundation Relations at Wittenberg University
from 2006-2011.
Erickson held progressive leadership roles
earlier in her career with Northampton Community College and Lehigh University
– developing innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors to
advance workforce competitiveness – and was a middle school teacher.
Erickson holds a bachelor’s degree in
Education from Smith College in Northampton, Mass., a master’s degree in
Educational Technology from Lehigh University, and an MBA from The Wharton
School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Erickson is passionate about creating a world
where the boundaries between different disciplines are blurred, and where
individuals are encouraged to follow their curiosity.
3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass
Allentown, PA 18103
484.664.1002
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Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sun.: 12-5 p.m.
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This project was financed by a grant from
P: 484.664.1002
D: 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, PA 18103
H: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 12-5 p.m.
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