TERC Announces Christine Reich as New President
Cambridge, Mass. – February 21, 2025 – TERC, a leading nonprofit in STEM education research and development, announces that Christine Reich, PhD will join TERC as its president, on July 1, 2025. A distinguished educator, social science researcher, and former museum executive, Reich brings a deep commitment to advancing STEM education opportunities for all learners.
Reich joins TERC from Knology, a social science research nonprofit, where she served as CEO and senior research officer, collaborating with media, libraries, museums, and community organizations to generate evidence-based insights for greater societal impact. She is also an adjunct lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she has taught for over a decade in the Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology program, and currently serves as President of the Visitor Studies Association.
With an extensive background in both out-of-school and K-12 STEM education, Reich has published research on topics such as organizational learning, emotional engagement, and informal science learning. She was honored as a “Champion of Change” by the Obama White House and named a fellow by the Noyce Leadership Institute.
Prior to her tenure at Knology, Reich served as the Jane and Payson Swaffield Chief Learning Officer at the Museum of Science in Boston, where she led the museum’s educational initiatives, including exhibits programs, curricula, immersive theaters, collections, and educational research. While at the Museum, she founded the Museum’s research and evaluation department (now one of the largest internal departments of its kind), led the research and evaluation team of the $43 million, NSF-funded Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net), and oversaw the development of multiple award-winning exhibitions, including the internationally touring “The Science Behind Pixar” exhibition.
“Christine’s expertise in STEM learning and collaborative leadership style will be a tremendous asset to TERC,” said Nadine Bonda, TERC board chair. “Her passion for increasing access to STEM programs will guide TERC into an exciting new chapter of impact and growth.”
For nearly 60 years, TERC has been a pioneer in STEM education research, driven by the belief that every student deserves access to high-quality learning experiences. The organization is dedicated to advancing math and science education and continually pushes the boundaries of research and development to create meaningful impact. By meeting both educators and learners where they are, TERC provides the tools, resources, and support necessary for success in STEM learning.
“I’ve long admired TERC for its dedication to shaping the future of STEM education,” said Reich. “I look forward to working with the talented team to advance our shared mission and expand the reach of TERC’s work.”
About TERC
TERC is a Cambridge, MA based nonprofit made up of teams of forward-thinking STEM experts dedicated to innovation and creative problem solving. TERC believes great futures are built through math and science.
For nearly 60 years, TERC has taken a learner-centered approach to STEM education in both formal and informal settings. At the frontier of theory and practice, TERC’s work encompasses research, content and curriculum development, technology innovation, professional development, and program evaluation. Through TERC’s STEM curricula and programs, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to ask questions, solve problems, and expand their opportunities. TERC’s professional development helps teachers and facilitators utilize new tools, materials, and inquiry-based strategies to enrich the learners’ experience.
TERC strives to create level playing fields for all learners, reaching millions of students each year. TERC imagines a future where teachers and students are members of vibrant communities engaged in creative, rigorous, and reflective inquiry.
To learn more, please visit www.terc.edu.