Erika Eng joined the Discovery Team in 2016, and since then has worn many hats within the organization, from Business Operations Director, to COO, to her most recent role as Executive Director. After graduating from SUNY New Paltz in 2004, she pursued a career in the Aerospace industry as a sales executive until the birth of her son in 2012. Now a mother of 2, her passions lie in community, inclusivity, and education. As a child, she attended a museum magnet school in Yonkers, NY, and notes that experience as something she draws on, giving a unique perspective to her current role. She is honored to work in that space now, and to be able to offer those same opportunities to students in the Bridgeport region.

Tana joined Discovery in 2018, after working in the veterinary world for 20 years. She is excited to work with the Discovery team to create an amazing experience for visitors, whether they are here for a regular STEAM filled visit or renting the space for a party! Tana moved to CT to attend college at University of Hartford where she received a degree in Psychology.

Michelle Lewis joined the Discovery team full time in 2016. She worked as a part time educator for several years prior to that, both at Discovery and at the Maritime Aquarium. Michelle has a degree in Marine Biology, but loves science of all kinds and loves sharing her knowledge with people of all ages.

Lyn first joined our team in 2018 to help run our extended day for our summer programs. In 2019, she became our full time Reservation Specialist helping book all our education programming. After a detour through 2020-2023, Lyn returned to Discovery as our Guest Services Manager and Birthday Party Administrator. She has brought a new level of excellence to our front desk, gift store, and birthday parties. Lyn prides herself on being a jack of all trades, helping wherever possible. Lyn previously worked for almost 20 years at the YMCA as the Child Watch Coordinator bringing all her knowledge of non-profits and families to us at Discovery.

Sarah Tropp-Pacelli joined Discovery in 2015 as an educator, becoming Director of Education and Strategy and eventually Director of Development and Data Management. In each role, equity and accountability are her goals. Sarah assures all learners participate in the same high-quality programs and achieve equitable outcomes, regardless of their school district, literacy level, or other factors. Sarah holds a Master's in Teaching and Foundations focused on science education. Sarah participated in Leadership Learning Labs, Leadership Greater Bridgeport, and Challenger Network Council, all of which provided opportunities to train in best practices in inclusivity, equity, and impact measurement in non-profit work.

Maggie Knies serves as the Senior Director of Educational Programming at Discovery, which she joined in 2025. She brings extensive experience in both general and special education, with a professional background that includes teaching students in grades 1 through 6, as well as providing specialized instruction for students in grades 1 through 4 Ms. Knies holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Roger Williams University. She later earned a Master of Science in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, where she completed dual certification in both elementary and special education. Her work is driven by a commitment to inclusive learning environments and evidence-based instructional practices that support the success of all learners.

Neal Edelson joined the Discovery Team in May 2025, bringing over two decades of leadership experience in philanthropy, business development, and strategic partnerships. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Queens College and a J.D. from New York Law School. Neal began his career in the music industry, serving in senior legal and business affairs roles at BMG Music and the Recording Industry Association of America. He later transitioned to the group health insurance sector, where he served as Regional Vice President for BenefitMall, a leading general agency with more than 50 employees. For the past decade, Neal has led major gift campaigns and capital initiatives in the nonprofit sector at prominent organizations focused on children, education, and underserved communities. In his current role, he focuses on building and sustaining strategic partnerships—with an emphasis on corporate engagement and major gifts.

Kate joined the Discovery team in 2023, only a few months after completing her bachelor’s degree in Earth and Space Science at Stony Brook University. She is passionate about science education, and how science centers like Discovery can connect the community through fun, experiential learning.

Jillian Wyckoff joined the Discovery Team in 2016 as a science educator, and now serves as the Director of Finance. She is excited to apply her passion for working with data and systems to the benefit of Discovery, and to helping to bring STEAM education to life.

Alex Young joined the Discovery team in 2021 as the Director of Exhibits and Facilities. After graduating from the University of Connecticut with his Bachelor's in Pathobiology, Alex spent several years as a special education paraprofessional and STEM tutor. Following his work in education, he worked as a Prop and Set Designer, specializing in immersive shows that focused on inclusivity and accessibility for their guests. He is excited to bring his love of STEM education and his experience in immersive ventures together to create amazing new educational experiences for all young scientists!

Natasha Lee Nelson is deeply rooted in her community and passionate about creating opportunities for growth, learning, and empowerment. She joined Discovery as the Business Development Manager in July 2023, following a 17-year career at Aquarion Water Company, where she held several roles, most recently in Conservation Management. Natasha is passionate about expanding access to STEAM education, especially for youth in underserved communities. Her connection to Discovery is personal—growing up in Bridgeport, she understands how transformative it can be for young people to have a place that sparks curiosity and inspires future possibilities. Natasha is also a Zumba instructor with 15 years of experience and sits on the Board of Directors for the BRBC’s Leadership Greater Bridgeport program. Her work bridges community engagement, environmental awareness, and the arts—all with the goal of impacting the next generation.

Richard came to Discovery in 2022, as a part time technician from a career in theatrical design and production, became full time later that year, and in 2025 was promoted to Exhibits & Facilities Manager. He has over 20 years of experience in scenic set construction, lighting and A/V work for stage productions, music concerts, and trade shows. Before joining the museum, Richard worked for 13 years doing shows and events with both students and professional touring productions in the AAB theater at Westchester Community College. He has also worked on live events in NY, DC, GA, FL, and Las Vegas