Frederic Bertley
President & CEO
Center of Science & Industry
Columbus, OH USA
“A good education in science can open doors for all kinds of careers.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationFrederic Bertley
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I was born and raised in Canada.
As a kid, I made a makeshift adaptor power source for my handheld video game, which sparked my curiosity in science.
I continued to explore my interest in science in high school and college, earning my bachelor’s degree in physiology and a Ph.D. in immunology.
I did lab work for a while but knew I didn’t want to spend my career doing that, so after I got my fill, I transitioned and spent a few years working at a law firm.
I then spent some time teaching at institutions like Harvard Medical School and Roxbury Community College, and everything in between.
I got the opportunity to work at the Franklin Institute, the oldest science museum in the country, which was looking for an executive to head up their science and education department.
When an opening was presented at the Center of Science and Industry, I jumped at the opportunity.
I joined the Center of Science and Industry as CEO in 2017 and have been leading the museum since!
Keep following my journey
Education
Career
President & CEO
I lead efforts to make science accessible, from managing museum exhibits to promoting brand recognition globally.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Science
Non-Profit Organizations
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
Every day is unique at COSI, filled with diverse tasks that keep me on my toes. One moment I'm on the museum floor, mingling with guests—kids and adults alike, sharing in their excitement. Then I might pivot to board meetings, strategizing over community engagement or planning our next big exhibit. Travel also plays a big role, as we aim to elevate COSI’s brand nationally and internationally, proving that science is indeed everywhere.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
A good education in science can open up all kinds of opportunities in a variety of industries. You don't have to feel boxed into specific science industries. I recommend pursuing the scientific field you're interested in and then trying your hand at different things. Hands-on experiences are critical to giving you an edge in this field. It's also very helpful to network and foster relationships with mentors.
