ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - You may know of the Academy of Science in St. Louis because of the region's K - 12 science fair.
The Academy has a rich history that dates back to 1856 and includes founders like James Buchanan Eads -- the mind behind the Eads Bridge.
It now has a new Executive Director at the helm.
Katherine Polokonis, the new head of the Academy of Science in St. Louis says it's time to look at the next phase of establishing the region as a scientific community.
"How we create that strong foundation in science and mathematics so that we have a population of people who are ready to drive innovation and scientific advances forward into the region," said Polokonis.
Polokonis, who previously served as the head of STEM STL, tells KMOX News that St. Louis has wonderful institutions. Now she says those groups have to get better at coordinating and cooperating.
Polokonis also says major scientific institutions can do more to create a pipeline for industry.
"I think in St. Louis, it's about getting over our fragmentation and be better at coordinating and cooperation," said Polokonis.
Polokonis says one key for her will be to get organizations working together to help school districts -- and students -- that are being left behind.