skip to main content
Frederic Bertley
Frederic Bertley
00:58

Frederic Bertley

Center of Science & Industry

Columbus, OH USA

"A good education in science can open doors for all kinds of careers."

Career Roadmap

Frederic's work combines: Science, Non-Profit Organizations, and Learning / Being Challenged

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

Take Roadmap Quiz

Day In The Life

President & CEO

I lead efforts to make science accessible, from managing museum exhibits to promoting brand recognition globally.

02:22

Day In The Life Of A Science Museum President

My Day to Day

Every day is unique at COSI, filled with diverse tasks that keep me on my toes. One moment I'm on the museum floor, mingling with guests—kids and adults alike, sharing in their excitement. Then I might pivot to board meetings, strategizing over community engagement or planning our next big exhibit. Travel also plays a big role, as we aim to elevate COSI’s brand nationally and internationally, proving that science is indeed everywhere.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

A good education in science can open up all kinds of opportunities in a variety of industries. You don't have to feel boxed into specific science industries. I recommend pursuing the scientific field you're interested in and then trying your hand at different things. Hands-on experiences are critical to giving you an edge in this field. It's also very helpful to network and foster relationships with mentors.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Physiology

    McGill University

  • Doctorate

    Immunology

    McGill University

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    I was born and raised in Canada.

  • 2.

    As a kid, I made a makeshift adaptor power source for my handheld video game, which sparked my curiosity in science.

  • 3.

    I continued to explore my interest in science in high school and college, earning my bachelor’s degree in physiology and a Ph.D. in immunology.

  • 4.

    I did lab work for a while but knew I didn’t want to spend my career doing that, so after I got my fill, I transitioned and spent a few years working at a law firm.

  • 5.

    I then spent some time teaching at institutions like Harvard Medical School and Roxbury Community College, and everything in between.

  • 6.

    I got the opportunity to work at the Franklin Institute, the oldest science museum in the country, which was looking for an executive to head up their science and education department.

  • 7.

    When an opening was presented at the Center of Science and Industry, I jumped at the opportunity.

  • 8.

    I joined the Center of Science and Industry as CEO in 2017 and have been leading the museum since!

Related Leaders

No related leaders found