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.

As the Refuge Manager of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum Gore is not only committed to protecting nature but to fostering an environment where all people can learn and engage with the flora and fauna around us. Since 2014, Lamar has led a shift at the refuge to connect with the communities around it and reconsider what it means to be a wildlife refuge in Philadelphia. He’s created programs for local youth, remedied transportation barriers that prevent people from visiting Heinz and other area green spaces, and is committed to addressing structural barriers that prevent people of color from becoming conservationists and wildlife biologists.

Lori Hayes started her career with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation in 1981 as a summer intern. Over the years, she has worn many hats from Grounds Maintenance Worker to Park District Manage to Director of Urban Forestry. As leader of the Urban Forestry Division, Lori strived to make tree tending and arboriculture accessible to everyone through a variety of initiatives, including the city’s collaborative TreePhilly program. Lori retired in 2023 after an unparalleled 42-year career at Parks and Recreation, having created a growing urban forest and a legion of tree lovers and tenders to carry forward her work.

Inaugural Louisa Binney Wagner Award

Dr. Arlene Bennett is a physician, psychiatrist, and valued friend of the Wagner. Aside from her long and distinguished medical career, Arlene is passionate about access to science and learning for everyone, which is what brought her to the Wagner. For nearly three decades, she’s been a vital supporter and advocate for the Wagner’s mission, frequently stewarding support and guiding growth for the Institute. She is an honorary member of the Wagner family and we are delighted to recognize her with the first Louisa Binney Wagner Award.