McGraw Prize Winner Frederic Bertley Honored with Thea Catalyst Award

Frederic Bertley, a 2025 McGraw Prize winner and president and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio, has been awarded the Themed Entertainment Association's 32nd annual Thea Catalyst Award for his efforts to expand access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education.

Since taking over the helm at COSI in 2017, Bertley, a trained immunologist, has transformed a regional science museum into a globally recognized leader in STEM education. Known as “Dr. B.”, Bertley is credited with democratizing access to science, technology, engineering, arts and math through groundbreaking programs, community outreach and public engagement. He is also the CEO of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

His popular Dr. B in Three video series makes complex subjects, such as CRISPR gene editing and climate change, accessible and engaging in three-minute video segments.

In 2024, under Bertley’s leadership, COSI launched The Color of Science program, which highlights the vast scientific and engineering contributions of under-represented groups. Today, COSI serves more than one million learners annually through exhibits, outreach programs, and media initiatives.

According to Bertley, institutions like COSI are especially important at the moment.

“The world we live in and how we navigate it is completely dependent on science and its cousin, engineering,” he said. “This is how we survive, thrive and vibe. Science institutions strive to make sure this is not only understood but appreciated.”

Upon receiving the Thea Catalyst Award, Bertley reflected on winning the McGraw Prize last year.

“Being awarded the McGraw Prize in Education in 2025 was a little overwhelming,” he said. “Sharing this honor with past luminaries like Claiborne Pell, Barbara Bush, Sal Kahn, Reshma​ ​Saujani, and John Merrow, selected by an international selection committee of experts, was an unanticipated, humbling honor.”