Derrick Pitts is Chief Astronomer and Planetarium Director at the Franklin Institute. An expert in planetariums, he curates the Franklin’s space exhibits, makes regular TV appearances, and hosts award-winning astronomy radio shows. Just as the Wagner aims to disseminate the latest scientific ideas, Derrick makes it his mission to share his knowledge with the public at large.

Dr. Peter Dodson, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, is a leading dinosaur paleontologist. His fieldwork has brought him across the globe and yielded new species along the way. An exceptional teacher, Peter has inspired generations of paleontologists. His rigorous research, combined with his infectious joy of discovery, match the Wagner’s foundational values.

Mark Dion is a conceptual artist whose works borrow heavily from natural history, science, and the environment. Mark’s provocative installations—including a greenhouse in Seattle and a marine curiosity cabinet in Monaco—have reignited interest in 19th century science and museums, engaging a wide public in the history of institutions that shape our understanding of the natural world.

As CEO of the University City Science Center, Stephen Tang presided over a scientific renaissance in Philadelphia. Under his leadership, the Center grew from a research park to a powerhouse of tech innovation. Stephen embodies Wagner’s commitment to accessibility and education, and a belief in the power of science to create a better world.

The founder of FemmePharma—a drug company based in Wayne—Gerianne Tringali DiPiano is a pharmaceutical entrepreneur who has devoted her career to addressing women’s unique health care needs. Just as the Wagner broke ground in the 1850s by offering classes to women, Gerianne has broken ground as an innovator for women, and as a woman innovator in a male-dominated field.

Dr. Paul A. Offit is a pediatrician, infectious diseases specialist, and renowned vaccine expert who has argued valiantly that the best approach to our well-being is a scientific one. He has waded boldly into major controversies, tackling the alleged link between vaccines and autism. He calmly presents the facts—and the need for science—in his prolific writings and advocacy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has helped people navigate the crisis through widely accessible public talks, media appearances, and cogent articles that explain complex scientific processes in clear language.

Robert Peck is a writer, historian, and modern-day embodiment of the 19th century naturalist.

As Senior Fellow at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, he has spent his career deepening our understanding of the history of natural science. He chronicles field expeditions and offers perspectives on our changing relationship to nature through his books, exhibits, and lectures that resonate equally with scholars and the general public.

As President & CEO of Beech Companies, Ken is an unequaled advocate for Wagner’s North Philadelphia community. He’s created thousands of jobs, built affordable housing, guided revitalization of Cecil B. Moore Avenue and invested in education. At the same time, Ken is a powerful force for science—advancing children’s education locally and shaping policies nationally. He’s served on the White House Advisory Board for Technology in Education and consults with industry leaders worldwide on science and tech development.

Vivian Wagner Gast is a descendent of the Institute’s founder, William Wagner, and has served two terms as Board President. Vivian took the helm for a second time in February 2020, to fill the leadership void left by the sudden loss of our then President, Laura Foster. Within less than a month of her term beginning, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed the landscape in which the Wagner operates. For 2 years, Vivian gamely saw us through a myriad of unprecedented challenges and changes. She provided a strong and steady presence and navigating the Wagner through rapidly changing rules and expectations, and tremendous uncertainty about the future.