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Our Team

The Citizen Science Lab is a true community collaboration. The collective hard work and involvement of all our staff, interns, partners, advisors, instructors, collaborators, and visitors will help our organization and our community flourish.

Meet our Citizen Scientists

Dr. Andre Samuel

Dr. Andre Samuel

Founder, President & CEO

Andre Samuel, a long-time resident of Washington, DC, graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a degree in Biology. Following graduate study at the George Washington University in Genomics and Bioinformatics, he received his PhD in Biology from Duquesne University. At Duquesne, his research focused on studying the structure and function of the cold shock related proteins in E. coli.

As a Ph.D. candidate, Dr. Samuel founded the S.I.G.M.A Science Mentorship Initiative, a summer study program designed to introduce diverse ninth graders to the University’s lab with the long-term goal of encouraging the pursuit of careers in scientific research. Dr. Samuel’s research experience includes studying toxicology and carcinogenicity effects of novel drugs, hookworm vaccine development and tuberculosis reactivation in non-human primates.

Dr. Samuel has a passion for STEM education and life science research. He believes that creating fun engaging and hands on lab experiences for people is the best pathway to an interest in STEM.

Dr. Samuel also has a passion for community service. He is Lead for the Remake Learning STE(A)M Working Group and sits on the boards of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Environmental Charter School, Duquesne University School Of Medicine Advisory Board, and Omicelo Cares.
Nikki Feagin

Nikki Feagin

Grants and Communication Manager

Nikki N’kenge Feagin is the Grants and Communications Manager at The Citizen Science Lab.  Nikki has committed her professional career to reducing inequities for underserved communities.

Nikki holds a BA in English from the University of the District of Columbia, and a MFA from Rutgers University.  A proud graduate of an HBCU, Nikki embraces Malcolm X’s philosophy of education being the passport to the future.

When not at TCSL, Nikki enjoys reading, traveling, and going to museums and galleries.

Nyabingi Michie, BS

Nyabingi Michie, BS

Executive Assistant/ Communications Coordinator

Nyabingi Michie is a proud graduate of the prestigious Lincoln University, the very first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Born with a deep-rooted passion for the natural world, “Iya” has always been captivated by the mysteries of our environment, from the towering mountains to the tiniest organisms.

Nicole Saltzman, BS

Nicole Saltzman, BS

Lead Instructor

Nicole is a Lead Instructor here at The Citizen Science Lab. She is passionate about inclusive, project-based, and student-centered learning. Nicole creates fun and enriching experiences for young scientists, by developing and teaching fun and hands-on curriculum. She is always looking for new and creative ways to inspire youth in STEM.

Nicole graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, baking, and painting.

Kendra Scheideman, BS

Kendra Scheideman, BS

Instructor

Kendra brings a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and a Chemistry minor from Chatham University, along with two years of experience in non-traditional education settings. She leads some of our exciting programs, including ICE-T, Microbial Mondays, and our Homeschool Series, bringing expertise and enthusiasm to every session.

Avery Miklos, BS

Avery Miklos, BS

Laboratory Instructional Support Technician
Avery is a Laboratory Instructional Support Technician at the Citizen Science Lab (TCSL). Avery has a passion for science and aims to enlighten and excite students about the various fields of STEM. She supports the staff by doing whatever is needed to prepare for TCSL’s various programs and initiatives as well as taking care of our friends in the Animal Room!
Avery graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Pittsburgh with a minor in chemistry and a certificate in sustainability. In her spare time, Avery likes to read, hike, and go second-hand shopping.
David Felipe-Hernandez, BFA

David Felipe-Hernandez, BFA

Junior Media Producer

David graduated from Point Park University with a BFA in Graphic and Interactive Design. As Junior Media Producer at TCSL, he’s all about highlighting the team’s impactful work through eye-catching photos, videos, and graphics. He is committed to celebrating a future with more diversity in STEM by creating inclusive, engaging content that brings science closer to the community. While he’s not a scientist, he loves getting a behind-the-scenes look at the discoveries made by our young scientists every day.

 

In his spare time, David enjoys doing creative photoshoots, drawing, listening to music and spending time outside. 

Cerrina Hagood, BA

Cerrina Hagood, BA

Marketing Coordinator

Cerrina Hagood holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Arts from Point Park University. As the Marketing Coordinator, she leads all marketing efforts across platforms, including social media management, content creation, campaign development, and analytics. With a background in film and video production, Cerrina brings a creative and strategic approach to promoting TCSL’s mission.

She is passionate about creating inclusive and engaging content that connects with the community and highlights the importance of science and education. Outside of work, Cerrina enjoys animating and exploring new hobbies.

Part-Time Employees

Jensynia Baynes, Washington and Jefferson ’24

Niklas Firestone, Carnegie Mellon ’25

Aashna Banerjee, Upper Saint Clair ’23

Nicholas Detwiler, Electrical Engineer, Educator

Srinidhi Rajaganapathy, Upper St Clair ’24

Claire Kist; Architect, LEED Consultant, Educator

Carmelo Obringer, Central Catholic ’24

Board of Directors

Ms. Lisa Elliott (Chair)
Dr. Phillip Palmer (Vice-Chair)
Mr. Damen Taylor (Treasurer)
Mr. David DuMont (Secretary)
Ms. Amber Farr
Ms. Samantha Black
Mr. Dennis Henderson
Dr. Clyde Pickett
Mr. Michael Quigley

Donors + Sponsors

Awards + Recognition

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Locations

A group of people in lab coats and gloves working on something.

Hill District Lab
The Hill District location is currently under a relocated plan.

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South Hills Lab
1699 Washington Rd.
Suite 200
Pittsburgh PA 15228
(814) 830-3100

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