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
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.
Nikki Feagin
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.
Breona Pippens
Nyabingi Michie BS
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.
Avery Miklos BS
Nicole Saltzman BS
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.
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