(Linda Abraham-Silver is donating a personal tour of the Great Lake Science Center's new Body Worlds 2 exhibition followed by lunch with Mrs. Silver.)

A California native with 13 years experience in museum management and science education, Linda Abraham-Silver became the Great Lakes Science Center's second President and Executive Director on August 1, 2004. Dr. Abraham-Silver was formerly the Vice President of Education and Guest Relations for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, an institution that attracts over one million guests annually to its three locations: the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, the Page Museum at the La Brea Tarpits, and the William S. Hart Museum.


Abraham-Silver received her undergraduate degree from UCLA, earned an MBA from Pepperdine University and her doctoral degree in science education from the University of Southern California. Her research interests include constructivist learning theory in informal environments, evolution education, and the role museums play in providing authentic science education experiences. She has worked with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Science Foundation on projects that provide the public with greater access to science education.


In her first year at the Science Center, Abraham-Silver has launched a strategic planning process for the 9-year-old institution, with implementation targeted for third quarter 2005. Integrated into this plan is a major emphasis on the engagement of the region's vital science community, including corporate, academic and non-profit arenas.