Brian Mandell, PhD, is Division Director of Curriculum, Digital Media, and Communications at the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), where he leads teams developing world class print and digital science resources. His work includes Games/Sims, eBooks, Smithsonian Science for Global Goals, and Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, which integrates Smithsonian research and objects, aligns with current standards, engages students in designing real-world solutions and blends print and digital learning.

Brian joined SSEC in 2014 as a science curriculum developer, creating research-based materials that support teachers and deepen students’ understanding of science and engineering. He taught middle school science for 13 years in Virginia and Maine and has also served as the K - 12 Science Coordinator in Fairfax County Public Schools.

He has also served as an adjunct professor at George Mason University, teaching courses on curriculum, learning theory, and instructional design. Brian earned a PhD in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Instructional Design from George Mason University, a master’s in education from the University of Southern Maine, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Delaware.