Child wearing safety goggles and using a pipette to drop liquid into a cylinder.
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Eli Lilly and Company Visiting Scientist

Child wearing safety goggles and using a pipette to drop liquid into a cylinder.
The Children’s Museum and the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation are committed to showcasing successful women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as positive role models. We believe that in order to support girls and young women in their exploration of STEM, it’s vital to provide them with opportunities to interact with and learn from women working in and making significant contributions to, STEM fields and concepts. To support girls and women in STEM, the museum offers the Eli Lilly and Company Visiting Scientist program, featuring a female STEM professional. 

Each year, the museum recruits one or two STEM professionals who have demonstrated experience in STEM outreach and connecting girls to STEM. 

Meet the 2025 Visiting Scientist

Dr. Rebecca Bercich

Dr. Bercich is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and is well known for her work in sustainable design, innovative recycling ,and real-world science education. Her expertise in these areas  enrich the museum’s sustainability programs, inspiring young minds to think responsibly when it comes to the environment, and inspire children to see themselves as future problem-solvers.

Press Release
“What I'm most looking forward to as the Visiting Scientist is creating ‘Aha!’ moments for kids—moments when they discover something new about their world, or make a connection to what they already know.”
Dr. Rebecca Bercich 
today at the museum