NASA Features COSI in Top 100 for 2022
Columbus, Ohio (January 6, 2023) – The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the nation’s top-ranked science museum according to USA Today, has been selected for inclusion in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) “Top 100” photos for 2022. The annual release by NASA highlights the agency’s most important events, programs, space discoveries and impacts from the previous year. Of the 100 photos selected, two highlight COSI’s science education programs and partnership with NASA to distribute fun, hands-on STEM kits to underserved students throughout the nation.
The first image features COSI President and CEO, Dr. Frederic Bertley, as well as NASA SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts Raja Chari and Mark Vande Hei, at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School as they interact with a local student on Dec. 8, 2022, in Washington D.C.
The second image, taken during the same event, showcases engaged students and the impact of COSI’s STEM kits, the centerpiece of the Learning Lunchbox Program, and captures their excitement as they learn about science. The photo features NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 astronaut and medical doctor, Dr. Tom Marshburn, participating in a STEM demonstration with school staff members as students observe a cloud created with dry ice. (Astronaut Marshburn is also featured in COSI’s EMMY-winning primetime television show with PBS-WOSU, “QED with Dr. B.” The episode, entitled “Astronaut Training” airs on Jan. 25, 2023)
“In a year where NASA successfully launched phase one of their Artemis effort to get back to the moon; had incredible activity on the International Space Station; worked evermore with commercial space companies; and triumphantly unveiled the greatest images of our universe humankind has ever seen courtesy of the James Webb Space Telescope, that NASA selected COSI for two of its one-hundred best photos of 2022 is truly amazing, exciting and humbling,” said Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of COSI. “This is an unprecedented honor for COSI specifically, and for science education and engagement effort generally.”
Through this unique partnership, COSI created NASA-themed STEM kits called Learning Lunchboxes, which contain five hands-on, space-related learning activities focused on aeronautics, space exploration and STEM career opportunities at NASA and beyond. Thirty-thousand NASA Learning Lunchboxes are slated for distribution at schools throughout the nation.
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FOR MEDIA: Select members of the COSI Team are available for interviews to discuss the impact of COSI’s partnership with NASA and its selection for NASA’s “Top 100” photos of 2022, including COSI President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley. For more information, please contact COSI Director of Communications Kristy Williams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
About COSI
COSI, the “#1 Science Museum in the Country” as voted by USA Today’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 59 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, "hands-on fun" brand of learning. COSI has been awarded five Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional and national community, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite and online experiences. Learn more at www.cosi.org.
The first image features COSI President and CEO, Dr. Frederic Bertley, as well as NASA SpaceX Crew-3 astronauts Raja Chari and Mark Vande Hei, at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School as they interact with a local student on Dec. 8, 2022, in Washington D.C.
The second image, taken during the same event, showcases engaged students and the impact of COSI’s STEM kits, the centerpiece of the Learning Lunchbox Program, and captures their excitement as they learn about science. The photo features NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 astronaut and medical doctor, Dr. Tom Marshburn, participating in a STEM demonstration with school staff members as students observe a cloud created with dry ice. (Astronaut Marshburn is also featured in COSI’s EMMY-winning primetime television show with PBS-WOSU, “QED with Dr. B.” The episode, entitled “Astronaut Training” airs on Jan. 25, 2023)
“In a year where NASA successfully launched phase one of their Artemis effort to get back to the moon; had incredible activity on the International Space Station; worked evermore with commercial space companies; and triumphantly unveiled the greatest images of our universe humankind has ever seen courtesy of the James Webb Space Telescope, that NASA selected COSI for two of its one-hundred best photos of 2022 is truly amazing, exciting and humbling,” said Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of COSI. “This is an unprecedented honor for COSI specifically, and for science education and engagement effort generally.”
Through this unique partnership, COSI created NASA-themed STEM kits called Learning Lunchboxes, which contain five hands-on, space-related learning activities focused on aeronautics, space exploration and STEM career opportunities at NASA and beyond. Thirty-thousand NASA Learning Lunchboxes are slated for distribution at schools throughout the nation.
FOR MEDIA: Select members of the COSI Team are available for interviews to discuss the impact of COSI’s partnership with NASA and its selection for NASA’s “Top 100” photos of 2022, including COSI President and CEO Dr. Frederic Bertley. For more information, please contact COSI Director of Communications Kristy Williams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
About COSI
COSI, the “#1 Science Museum in the Country” as voted by USA Today’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 59 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, "hands-on fun" brand of learning. COSI has been awarded five Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional and national community, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite and online experiences. Learn more at www.cosi.org.