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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.
Chris Wandell MAED

Chris Wandell MAED

Site Manager

Chris Wandell is originally from Central New York State, where he began studying for a career in field research. After a surprise summer teaching at his local nature center, he fell in love with the idea of teaching in a non-traditional environment.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology before beginning his career by roaming the United States, teaching youth everywhere from Minnesota, to Washington, to Tennessee. During that process, Chris attended graduate school to acquire his Master’s in Education focusing on the natural sciences and teacher education.

Chris spends both his personal and professional time working to help students not only access STEM education, but fall in love with learning.
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.

Nicole Lassinger MS

Nicole Lassinger MS

Laboratory Instructional Support Technician

Nicole Lassinger is a Laboratory Support Technician at the Citizen Science Lab (TCSL). She supports initiatives and programs at TCSL by doing everything she can to make sure the lab is running smoothly. She also spends a lot of time in our labs’ animal room caring for our not-so-furry friends. Nicole has a passion working with children and wants to equip them with everything they need to succeed, not just here at the lab but in life. 

Nicole has a BS in Biology from Westminster College and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Point Park University. Outside of work, Nicole likes to coach track and field, spend time outside, and hang out with her family.

Garrett Struble MS

Garrett Struble MS

Lead Instructor

Garrett Struble is the Lead Instructor of Biology and Life Sciences at The Citizen Science Lab (TCSL). Garrett aspires to build a career in the non-profit sector that combines his love for science and passion for teaching. By sharing the critical thinking and scientific method of questioning he acquired through his own independent research, Garrett aims to provide students with the necessary framework for scientific discovery.

Garrett holds a BS in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne University. During his time at Duquesne University, Garrett completed a thesis which details the chemistry and microbial community of a passive remediation system for abandoned mine drainage.

Outside of work, Garrett enjoys spending time outdoors, making art, and caring for his plants.

Nicole Saltzman BS

Nicole Saltzman BS

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.

Part-Time Employees

Vivek Babu, Drexel University ’24

Sujay Banerjee, Middlebury College ’25

Aashna Banerjee, Upper Saint Clair ’23

Bryce Keating, Vanderbilt University ’25

Srinidhi Rajaganapathy, Upper St Clair ’24

Claire Kist; Architect, LEED Consultant, Educator

Eric Wang, Case Western Reserve University ’25

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

The Citizen Science List

Email list subscribers get information about new programs and initiatives, updates on what we’re doing, and interesting information from the worlds of science and technology!




Donors + Sponsors

Awards + Recognition

The Citizen Science Lab Logo

Locations

Citizen Science Lab Location Hill District

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

Citizen Science Lab Location South Hills

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

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