Bonnie Epstein

Bonnie Epstein received her undergraduate degree in geology/biology from Brown University and her PhD in geological oceanography from the University of Rhode Island. At the turn of the last century, she helped develop, implement, and evaluate informal science programs and exhibits at the New England Aquarium (Boston). During this time, she served as director for a New England Aquarium satellite in Newport, RI—currently run by Save the Bay—and wrote/led the aquarium’s NSF-funded exhibit on jellyfish as environmental indicators (Amazing Jellies). 

After leaving the aquarium, Epstein founded the Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA). RIMOSA was a hands-on, interactive museum, designed to highlight key commonalities between science and art—curiosity, observation, experimentation, and communication—and inspire older children and adults. After a decade of providing what would later be known as STEAM programs and interactive exhibits, Epstein oversaw the absorption of RIMOSA into the Rhode Island Computer Museum (RICM), where she now serves as president of the board.

Since 2010, Epstein has served as a member of RISD’s part-time faculty, where she enjoys teaching a variety of solution-based science courses focused on large environmental problems of our time, including climate change, alternative energy, and water pollution/scarcity. She also is proud to serve on the RISD Initiative for Sustainability and the Environment (RISE) faculty committee. Epstein is currently focused on issues of sustainability/regeneration, local problem solving, and education.