The New Children’s Museum in West Hartford announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Werle as interim executive director on Monday.

Dr. Michael Werle has been named interim executive director of the New Children’s Museum in West Hartford. Submitted photo

Submitted by Jennifer Toone

The New Children’s Museum Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Michael Werle has been named interim executive director.

“Dr. Werle’s accomplished career in both the non-profit and corporate sectors in the fields of science, engineering, technology, education, and business aligns with the Museum’s mission as a premier STEAM learning center in the region,” said Board Chair Peter Stevens.

Dr. Werle is a member of Connecticut Innovations Inc.’s Technical Advisory Board, a former member of Connecticut’s Board of Governors for Higher Education, a past president of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering and a founder of Ogin, Inc., a new wind turbine company.

He has consulted with several Connecticut government and NGO agencies including the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Science Center and the Connecticut Economic Resource Center.

Dr. Werle began his career as a researcher in US Navy research laboratories in Maryland. He was a professor of engineering for 10 years on the faculties of the University of Cincinnati and Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

He later joined United Technologies Corporation (UTC), and after an 18 year career, retired from UTC as the director for International and External Programs in the Office of Science & Technology. He served as the head of the Gas Dynamics and Thermophysics Laboratory of UTC’s Research Center.

He is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

“I am excited about and looking forward to helping The New Children’s Museum strengthen and grow its programs for Connecticut’s youth,” said Dr. Werle. “We are entering interesting and dynamic times that will require their participation and leadership as confident, innovative thinkers.”

Dr. Werle’s tenure will be focused on developing and executing on a visionary plan for strategy and engagement, which the Museum can build on to advance its mission of fostering an environment of lifelong learners.

The New Children’s Museum is the region’s leading STEAM education resource. The Museum integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math into hands-on, interdisciplinary activities that foster creative thinking, academic achievement, and a spirit of lifelong learning.

The Museum is home to over 100 live animals, hands-on science exhibits, out-of-this-world digital planetarium shows, and programs for younger children and families. The New Children’s Museum and Roaring Brook Nature Center are the region’s premier destinations for science and nature exploration.

The New Children’s Museum is located at 950 Trout Brook Drive in West Hartford. Roaring Brook Nature Center is located at 70 Gracey Road in Canton. Visit www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org for more information or contact Dr. Michael Werle at [email protected].