Dr. Sara Leikin

COSI-Center of Science and Industry (USA)

Sara Leikin, Ed.D. is a leader in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education who is known for her ability to build and manage global partnerships that bridge cultural divides and promote educational innovation worldwide. Her deep understanding of cultural dynamics has been crucial in developing programs that resonate with diverse communities. She currently serves as the Chief of Global Learning Experiences and STEAM Partnerships at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). She directs COSI's national and international partnership strategies, with a focus on intellectual property education, including the Extracurricular Intellectual Property Innovation Center (EiPIC), ensuring that students, especially those furthest from opportunity, gain essential skills in protecting and commercializing their innovations.

Throughout her 25+ year career, Sara has excelled as an award-winning teacher, school leader, and a director of international education projects, notably leading hundreds of educators through professional development for the Egypt STEM Schools Project. Sara is particularly passionate about the intersection of formal and informal education systems, advocating for asset-based approaches to make educational services more accessible globally. She has written and collaborated on several successful grants, including public diplomacy grants in Italy, Barbados, and India. Her commitment to fostering cross-cultural collaboration and strategic leadership makes her a sought-after thought leader in global education.

A first-generation college graduate, she holds an Ed.D. in Educational Program Development from the University of South Florida, an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from John Carroll University, and a BA in International Relations from Mount Holyoke College.