1 You took over as executive director in August 2025. In the months since, what’s one decision you’ve made or priority you’ve set that signals where Science Central is headed under your leadership?
Mikulski: One of the first priorities after stepping into the executive director role was launching a formal strategic planning process. Science Central has incredible energy and history, and it is important that the organization is intentional about what comes next. In partnership with the board, a strategic planning consultant has been selected, and the team is actively pursuing funding to support that work.
Departments were restructured to create a more forward-facing, project-focused and partnership-aligned environment so the organization is prepared not just to plan, but to execute.
Clarity, alignment, collaboration and sustainable growth are priorities as we honor our legacy and build the next chapter with purpose.
2 The center is opening a public planetarium on March 25. What specific goals do you have for its first year in terms of audience engagement, education outcomes and community partnerships?
Mikulski: The excitement around the planetarium has been incredible. In its first year, our goal is to deepen engagement across generations and establish it as a must-see destination in northeast Indiana. We hope to reconnect families who once visited with young children, attract lifelong learners fascinated by astronomy and STEAM, and expand field trip offerings for the thousands of students we serve.
Beyond daytime demonstrations, we will offer special programs, including laser shows and private rentals. Where else in Fort Wayne can you host an event under the stars?
Educationally, we want students to leave inspired and asking bigger questions, and we see this as a catalyst for new partnerships and expanded programming across the region.
3 With evolving exhibits like Build It! Big Blue Blocks and regular program offerings, how are you thinking about attracting new or underserved audiences such as teens, families with limited resources or schools outside Fort Wayne?
Mikulski: Accessibility matters deeply to us. With the support of sponsors like AEP, we offer free admission days, and with Steel Dynamics’ support, we plan to bring back Pay What You Want Week to make visiting more affordable for families.
We also partner each year with Visit Fort Wayne for its popular Be a Tourist in Your Hometown event, which introduces new audiences to Science Central. Our Summer Sizzle Membership Drive will reduce memberships by $25, making year-long access available to families starting at $100.
Through our strategic planning process, we are evaluating new offerings for a variety of audiences while also working to diversify our partners and supporters to expand accessibility and community impact.
4 As Science Central celebrates growing attendance, how are you measuring educational impact and how does that data shape your partnerships with schools, universities and other community organizations focused on STEAM?
Mikulski: Measurement is essential for us.
As part of our internal restructure, longtime team member Chris Harris was promoted to chief operations officer with a focus on operational excellence and data-informed decision-making. We track attendance, outreach efforts, program feedback and learning objectives to understand both scale and impact. That data helps us refine programming and align with school and community needs.
As we move into our strategic planning process, expanded data collection and community input will guide how we grow.
We are also working to embrace the word Central by strengthening partnerships and convening STEAM leaders across our region around shared, measurable goals.
5 What about Science Central made this role compelling to you personally, and what, if anything, has surprised you since stepping in last August?
Mikulski: It has taken a few months for it to truly sink in that I get to work at Science Central.
Growing up in the tiny town of Pennville, you always knew you were in Fort Wayne when you could see the smokestacks rising in the distance. It’s funny the way life just lines you up and you do not even know it at the time.
My favorite club growing up was Science Club at West Jay Middle School with Mr. Taylor and Mr. Crull. They made science real and fun and gave me space to learn at my own pace. Just like they did for me, we allow visitors the chance to explore, discover and feel confident in their curiosity.
What has surprised me most is how much people love this place. When I tell someone where I work, they light up, and I do not think that will ever get old.