Talcott Mountain Science Center & Academy (TMSCA) is proud to announce the launch of the Talcott Mountain Research Institute (TMRI). This new initiative builds on nearly sixty years of inspiring curiosity and advancing STEM education for kindergarten through 8th grade learners, expanding our mission into high school and professional research. TMRI will serve as a hub where scientists, engineers, mathematicians, educators, and students come together to explore at the frontiers of knowledge.
A New Chapter on the Mountain
Perched atop Talcott Mountain in Avon, Connecticut, TMRI is a STEM-focused research center—an incubator for bold ideas where discovery and collaboration flourish. TMRI extends the legacy of TMSCA: where the Science Center and Academy ignite young minds through immersive teaching and learning, TMRI propels high school students and STEM professionals into research that drives discovery and sparks new connections across disciplines.
“I enjoy cooking and think of our work as a full meal,” says Dr. Jay White, Director of TMRI and Director of Science & Innovation for Talcott Mountain Science Center. “The Academy nourishes with the fundamentals of formal education, the Science Center whets the appetite of public curiosity, and now TMRI offers the rich, sustaining course of research. Taken together, they serve a feast of STEM—an endless banquet where exploration and discovery are always on the menu.”
As the Director of TMRI, Dr. White brings a wealth of experience as an astrophysicist, educator, and global science leader. His career spans more than three decades and six continents, blending research with science education and public outreach.
First Initiative: TMRI Summer Program
One of TMRI’s inaugural initiatives will be its Summer Program in July 2026, a four-week, non-residential program of advanced learning and STEM research for select high school students. Participants—rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors—will conduct original research projects under the mentorship of PhD-level faculty in science, mathematics, and engineering. Applications open in early 2026.
Faculty Research Mentors will play a pivotal role in shaping the Summer Program. Each mentor will guide a small group of students through the research process, from lectures and question formulation to methodology, analysis, and presentation of results. These mentors will be practicing scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who combine active research with a passion for teaching and inspiring future STEM leaders.
“I am just so excited by what TMRI will contribute to our work on Talcott Mountain and more broadly to what we humans know about nature,” says Dr. White. “For nearly sixty years, this cool organization has nurtured curiosity and innovation by way of significant, STEM-focused programs. With TMRI, we will carry that legacy forward—extending it into research that unites scholars, students, and educators.”
Future Plans for TMRI
The Summer Program is just the beginning. Over its first few years, TMRI will expand into a dynamic center of research, education, and public engagement. Planned initiatives include:
- Institute Postdoctoral Scholars: Each year, TMRI will host at least one Institute Postdoctoral Scholar. These newly degreed STEM professionals will bring their STEM expertise and commitment to education to TMSCA activities.
- “On the Shoulders of Giants” Lectures: TMRI will host large-scale lectures to connect our community with thought leaders whose work inspires curiosity and shapes the future of STEM.
- Summit Salons: In addition to large gatherings, TMRI will convene small, intimate, discussion-based events led by special guests selected for their notoriety in particular areas of scholarly and popular interest.
Already in the planning stages are the first Summit Salon in spring 2026, the inaugural Summer Program in summer 2026, and a series of collaborative partnerships with regional and national organizations. Throughout 2025, Dr. White and the TMRI and TMSC STEM Advisory Board have been laying the groundwork to ensure these foundational elements are in place and ready to launch.
“TMRI joins Talcott Mountain Science Center and Talcott Mountain Academy as a third pillar in our commitment to unifying STEM education, research, and outreach,” says Jeff Martin, Executive Director of TMSCA. “Through these collective efforts, we can inspire and empower advanced and curious learners of all ages.”
STEM Advisory Board
Supporting this work is the STEM Advisory Board, formed by Dr. White in January 2025. This group includes scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and creativity experts who advise on everything from innovative teaching practices to national partnerships, ensuring TMRI’s growth is both visionary and grounded. Members include:
- Sarah Spence Adams, PhD – Professor of Mathematics and Electrical & Computer Engineering, Olin College of Engineering
- Stephon Alexander, PhD – Professor of Physics, Brown University
- Andre Bormanis, MS – Writer/Producer
- April Burch, PhD – Director of Advanced Math/Sci Research Program, Berkshire School
- Stephen Fantone, Ph.D. – CEO and Founder, Optikos Corporation
- Norman Fortenberry, DSc – former CEO, Great Minds in STEM
- Linda Ivany, PhD – Professor of Earth Sciences, Syracuse University
- Stella Kafka, PhD – former Exec Director and CEO, American Meteorological Society
- Jacob Komar, PhD – CEO, JK Productions
- Katharine Ott, PhD – Professor of Mathematics, Bates College
- Keivan Stassun, PhD – Professor of Astronomy, Vanderbilt University
- Sarah Wojiski, PhD – Director of Education, The Jackson Laboratory
Join Us on This Journey
We invite you to learn more about TMRI by visiting our webpage. Stay tuned for Summer 2026 program applications opening in January. Contact Dr. Jay White by email if you have questions about the Summer Program or the Faculty Research Mentorships.
Your engagement—whether as a partner, advocate, or mentor—will help TMRI flourish and extend Talcott Mountain’s legacy of discovery. Together, with your support, TMRI will continue the tradition of inspiring curiosity, nurturing discovery, and shaping the future of STEM.