Neil Gordon ’76

Former geology major aims to foster science-literacy skills

by Michelle Simmons

September 1, 2010

Neil Gordon '76 merges his interests in science, sustainability and education as CEO of the Discovery Museums.

As the CEO of The Discovery Museums in Acton, Mass., former geology major Neil Gordon ’76 is focused on making science education hands on, interactive and relevant.

Passionate about environmental issues, Gordon earned a master’s degree in environmental and energy policy at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His early career took him in a different direction, however— toward human services and municipal government, where he became an expert in administration and finance.

“I was attracted to the museum because of the way it is involved in effecting change in the lives of families and children,” he says, adding that he especially wants to reach out to disadvantaged youth who lack access to the informal but important education that museums offer.

Last year, Gordon took the helm of The Discovery Museums, where he hopes to foster science literacy and environmental awareness.

“One of our most important programs is holding science workshops that go into the classroom—real hands-on science with kids,” he says. “A strong understanding of science and the methodologies of science is good for everybody, not just for the people who grow up interested in science.