Meet The New Leader Of IGNITE And His Vision For STEM
While the Saban Center construction continues to make good progress, the new executive director for IGNITE, the center’s interactive STEM with Arts–based learning platform is on the job.
Martin S. Fisher took on the title February 2nd. He spent 17 years as the former executive director of Science Central in Fort Wayne, Indiana. That is where he was credited for reducing Science Central’s long-term $8 million debt from the cost of getting the facility open. He also led capital campaigns, revitalizing and growing the exhibit floor, establishing a rebranding effort, and boosting community awareness through media appearances and partnerships.
During his time with Science Central, Fisher steered the organization toward securing its first $1 million endowment.
Fisher has worked over 30 years in the science center and museum field. He holds a B.S. degree in Zoology from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) with an emphasis in vertebrate ecology and a M.A. degree in Science Education from The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio) with an emphasis in environmental education and educational psychology.
He also had career stops at Nauticus, The National Maritime Center (Norfolk, VA), The Omaha Children’s Museum (Omaha, NE), and COSI, Ohio’s Center of Science and Industry (Columbus, OH).
While in Ft. Wayne, Martin also hosted weekly science segments on the local ABC/NBC television station.
His longtime experience will be important to IGNITE when it goes operational.
Martin explained his vision for the program, "“IGNITE's visitors will learn basic scientific principles, understand how those concepts connect to their own lives, and most importantly, discover that science is fun and accessible to everyone. Through hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity, we work alongside the State of Alabama STEM Hub to expose students to STEM career pathways right here in Alabama.”
According to the Saban Center website, "IGNITE is an interactive platform for STEM-based learning designed for all ages. The new facility will feature state-of-the-art learning environments, including maker spaces, digital media labs, and immersive science zones—all built to spark imagination and foster lifelong learning."
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