Content expertise: physics, materials science, solid state physics, microscopy, women in science, communicating science to the public

Olivia Castellini, Ph.D., a physicist by training, creates award-winning exhibits and experiences at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago, making science and cutting–edge research accessible and engaging for all. Olivia excels at translating complex topics into relatable experiences on everything from nanotechnology and math to music and sports. She was part of the core creative team behind Science Storms, MSI's 26,000-square-foot exhibition about the amazing science that underlies natural phenomena.  

Olivia has extensive experience in communicating science to the public and is a sought-after speaker and a frequent presenter to school groups, the media and the public. She has worked closely with researchers from academia and industry, as well as educators, to develop programs and activities related to STEM topics for a variety of audiences. She holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a B.A. in music and physics from DePauw University.  In addition to her science career, Olivia is an accomplished musician, model, athlete and actor.  

Dr. Castellini has been interviewed live on "Good Morning America" and the Weather Channel, was featured as a science expert on "Oprah’s Life Class," and has appeared on local Chicago television news many times. She has also been interviewed for the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Dr. Castellini has been an invited speaker at the Annual Conference for Women Engineers, the American Association of Museums Annual Meeting, and the Nanostructured Advanced Materials conference, among others.