Doug Roberts, President & CEO, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Invest: sat down with Doug Roberts, president and CEO of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science), to discuss how the museum is expanding science education across Miami-Dade, using immersive technology to connect the public with research, and preparing for its next phase of growth. “We expect that to be a game changer in terms of creating digital exhibitions that bring current science and research to the public,” Roberts said.

How does Frost Science collaborate with local schools, universities, and research institutions to extend science learning into the community?

Frost Science works across the full education spectrum, from early childhood through higher education, with a focus on making science education current and connected to real-world discovery. At the K–12 level, the museum has a strong partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, particularly through professional teacher development. One of the challenges in science education is that teachers are trained at a specific moment in time, while science continues to evolve rapidly. Frost Science helps bridge that gap by supporting educators with updated content and practical tools they can use in the classroom.

The museum also integrates its work directly with students through field trips and hands-on experiences that complement classroom instruction. Rather than treating museum visits as isolated experiences, Frost Science is working to embed those visits into broader learning journeys, including pre-visit preparation and post-visit activities that extend engagement beyond a single day.

For middle and high-school students, Frost Science has developed programs that emphasize problem-solving and applied learning. One example is the STEM Challenge, an engineering-focused initiative that runs over two semesters. Students participate voluntarily, working in teams with guidance from teachers and Frost Science educators. The program culminates in a spring competition where students present their solutions to real-world challenges in fields such as astronomy, marine science, paleontology, and health.

At the college level, Frost Science collaborates with institutions such as Florida International University, the University of Miami, and Miami Dade College. A key area of focus is science communication, helping students and researchers translate complex research into accessible stories for the public. Frost Science also serves as a convening space for the research community. The museum hosts the ReeFLorida Symposium, an annual conference focused on coral conservation that brings together researchers, conservation experts, and students from across Florida and beyond. The event has grown steadily and reinforces the museum’s role as a facilitator of important scientific conversations tied to issues where it has established leadership.

What innovations are shaping the future of the museum experience, including digital engagement, traveling exhibitions, and new partnerships?

Traveling exhibitions remain an essential way for museums to keep content fresh and responsive to rapidly changing scientific topics. Permanent galleries require years of planning and significant investment, while traveling exhibitions allow museums to introduce new ideas more quickly. Frost Science uses these exhibitions to highlight emerging fields and evolving public interests while continuing to plan longer-term updates through a broader master planning process.

Recent and upcoming exhibitions reflect that balance. The museum previously hosted an exhibition focused on artificial intelligence, and the current one features Leonardo da Vinci, which is a powerful example of curiosity across disciplines. Upcoming exhibitions include an interactive experience centered on extreme sports and sports health, timed to align with major international events coming to the region, as well as The Science Behind Pixar, which explores the science behind computer animation.

Beyond exhibitions, Frost Science has invested in infrastructure that allows it to deliver science content faster and more immersively. The museum has installed large LED walls in multiple spaces, including the pre-show area in the Frost Planetarium and the aquarium. These immersive displays allow researchers to present their own data and imagery, from deep-sea exploration to space science, in ways that are visually compelling and easy for the public to understand.

We expect that to be a game changer in terms of creating digital exhibitions that bring super-current science and research to the public.

How does the Frost Planetarium and the aquarium enhance Frost Science’s mission by connecting science, nature, and technology in immersive ways?

The Frost Planetarium remains one of the museum’s most versatile assets. Its full-dome environment allows audiences to experience science in ways that are difficult to replicate elsewhere, creating a sense of immersion that supports both education and storytelling.

Frost Science uses the planetarium for a range of programming, including its Science Conversations series, which pairs talks with smaller, invitation-only discussions. Speakers are often struck by how their work comes to life when presented in a planetarium setting compared with traditional lecture formats. The museum works closely with presenters to adapt data and visuals to the dome, enhancing clarity and engagement.

The museum is also producing a new planetarium show inspired by the concept behind a book titled ”How to Die in Space.” Developed in partnership with the author, Paul Sutter, who is an astrophysicist and a professor at Johns Hopkins University, the show allows audiences to choose destinations in the universe and explores the extreme conditions that make those environments dangerous for humans. The program combines humor with scientific insight and reflects the museum’s goal of presenting current research in engaging ways.

Within the aquarium, Frost Science is rethinking how it tells ocean stories for different audiences. Guests from outside the region may want to learn about South Florida’s marine ecosystems, while local audiences may be more interested in global ocean systems. The museum is working to present both perspectives clearly, using Florida-centered exhibits alongside broader narratives about ocean science worldwide.

The aquarium’s immersive digital displays play a key role in that approach. The goal is to take guests to environments they cannot easily access themselves, combining live exhibits with digital storytelling that deepens understanding of marine research and conservation.

How does Frost Science engage with the business community to extend its reach across Greater Miami?

Frost Science maintains strong connections with the business community through formal partnerships and its role as a neutral convening space. The museum is a member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and I serve on its nonprofit committee, helping build relationships with business leaders across the region.

The museum also works directly with companies to support events and employee engagement programs that align with its mission. In addition, trustees and partners connect Frost Science to major regional industries, including cruise lines and other global enterprises with a presence in Miami.

More broadly, Frost Science adds value as a neutral third party. As a nonprofit, the museum can host conversations around innovation and emerging industries without the competitive dynamics that often shape corporate settings. This has made Frost Science a natural venue for city-led discussions on topics such as advanced mobility and future infrastructure, reinforcing its role within the region’s innovation ecosystem.

What are your top priorities and vision for Frost Science over the next several years?

One priority is expanding access beyond the museum’s downtown location. Given the scale of Miami-Dade County, Frost Science has invested in outreach programs that bring science directly to schools and neighborhoods. These include a portable planetarium and educator-led programming designed to reach students who may not otherwise visit the museum.

Another focus is youth engagement through programs such as the museum’s science camps, which run throughout the summer and during select school breaks. To improve accessibility, Frost Science is also launching an off-site camp in South Dade, reducing travel barriers for families and expanding the program’s reach.

At the institutional level, Frost Science is completing a master planning process that evaluates the entire campus. Since opening in 2017, the museum has welcomed over five million visitors, and some galleries now need updates. The master plan will guide both renovation and potential expansion, taking into account how science topics evolve and what future experiences may require additional space.

The planning process also creates opportunities to deepen partnerships with the business community and highlight local innovation. By serving as a bridge between research, industry, and the public, Frost Science aims to help residents better understand how science and innovation are shaping the region’s future.