Sam Tumolo, EDC research associate, brings 10 years of experience in informal STEM learning, experiential learning pedagogy, youth development, hands-on making, project management, and effective strategies to bridge research and practice. Tumolo is dedicated to increasing high-quality STEM education, expanding opportunities for neurodivergent youth, and promoting learner-centered, strengths-based approaches.

Tumolo advances several EDC initiatives focused on enhancing informal learning experiences for neurodiverse children and youth. These include the development of a practitioner guide for creating informal engineering design programs with and for neurodiverse audiences using universal design for learning principles; furthering the goals of the NASA Neurodiversity Network; and supporting and examining the growth of an autistic-to-autistic mentorship program.

Previously, Tumolo was a developer of facilitated exhibit experience at the New York Hall of Science and a technology program specialist at The Franklin Institute. Tumolo co-authored an article on visitors’ agency in museums and science centers and presented during an online event led by Astronomers Without Borders.

Tumolo holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Temple University.