My Biz: Center invests in future scientists

Name: Norah Hammond

Title: Executive director

Company: Science Center

Address: 4444 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 363-4629

Website: www.sciencestation.org

Elevator speech: “Putting children on a path for discovery”

CEDAR RAPIDS - Norah Hammond didn't have a real interest in science when she was growing up.

“I never felt a connection or experienced a spark of excitement when it came to topics like science or math,” she said. “That is why I think what we do here at the Science Center - the informal side of learning, offering hands on fun - is so important.”

As executive director of the Cedar Rapids Science Center (formerly called the Science Station), Hammond said her hope is to provide meaningful, memorable and fun science experiences for children.

“When people ask what we do or why we are here, I tell them it is about inspiring a lifelong appreciation and passion for science- , technology- , engineering- and math-based topics. It is about learning and fun through the programs and experiences we offer, whether you visit us, or if we reach you through activities and events out in the community.

“At the end of the day, it is about investing in the future, through kids, family and community building.”

Having said that, she admits her work days are usually a blur.

“There is so much variety in what I do, which is what I like the most. But it makes the day go by pretty fast.”

Her work days may start with a high-level meeting, but usually end with tidying up the gallery for the next day's visitors.

“The dig box chips and Legos are everywhere, always. And right now there are paper airplanes and rockets everywhere, too,” she confessed.

Hammond, a Mount Mercy graduate, worked for a trade organization that provided professional development for adults before coming to the Science Center about a year and a half ago. She oversees a staff of five at the Science Center, located at Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids.

“Since we have a small staff, all of us wear many hats,” she explained. They also depend on a network of volunteers and contract educators who support major programs, such as the center's summer camps.

Hammond feels strongly about the potential the camps and other programs hold.

“The time these kids spend with us might put them on a path that offers a cure for a disease, a space discovery, or an engineering marvel. You just never know,” she said.

Know a manager or business owner whose company has been around for at least a year who should be considered for “My Biz”? Contact business editor Michael Chevy Castranova, michael.castranova@sourcemedia.net.