Dr. Andre Samuel wants young people to experience science as something they can do. With a Ph.D. in Biology from Duquesne University and research focused on cold shock proteins in E. coli, he brings scientific depth to a mission centered on discovery, access and possibility.

As President and CEO of The Citizen Science Lab, Samuel leads hands-on laboratory experiences that invite people of all backgrounds to explore STEM. His approach gives curiosity room to grow through active experimentation, helping participants see themselves as capable scientific thinkers.

That commitment also inspired the S.I.G.M.A Science Mentorship Initiative, which he founded to introduce diverse ninth graders to research.

Samuel's contributions have earned the BMe Leadership Award, the President's Volunteer Service Award and the Carnegie Science Center's 2020 Leadership in STEM Education award.

By connecting rigorous science with accessible, engaging experiences, Samuel helps open doors to scientific exploration. His leadership encourages emerging scientists to move from wondering how the world works to investigating it for themselves.