Tonya M. Matthews, PhD
President & CEO
Michigan Science Center
Tonya M. Matthews, PhD, is the inaugural president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center, founded in 2012 with the mission to return hands-on science learning to Detroit and expand that impact across the state.
Matthews is a thought leader in museum engagement, access and open classroom, hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Her diverse background includes academic and professional work as a scientist, educator, community volunteer and award-winning writer/poet.
She currently serves on the boards of the American Alliance of Museums, National Assessment Governance Board and Detroit Public Television.
Innovation vs. Extinction: The Evolution of Museums from Seer’s Space to Creator’s Space
From “No Cameras Allowed” to “#Isawthisatamuseum”— the museum industry has embraced modern participatory culture. The evolution of hands-on interactive learning will allow visitors to leave their imprint on museums. How far will it go? Can we preserve authenticity and credibility in such anarchy? And most importantly, how do we design for the change? Tonya Matthews, PhD, Michigan Science Center president and CEO, will present examples that motivate questions about how and why museums must make room for visitors to participate in the creation of their museum experience.
