After in-depth research on science education reform,
Merck & Co., Inc. established the Merck Institute for
Science Education in 1992 to coordinate and focus Merck's
precollege science education efforts. Merck's Board of
Directors mandated this 10-year, $20 million initiative
to improve the quality of science teaching during the
formative years of kindergarten through eighth grade. The
Institute receives its funding through the Merck Company
Foundation.
In establishing the Institute, the company undertook a
national search-to identify and recruit a director
capable of leading this effort. The decision was made to
actively seek not only a scientist with proven leadership
ability, but also an accomplished teacher with extensive
experience in education.
Dr. Carlo Parravano was chosen as the first director
of the Institute. When he was selected, he was Professor
of Chemistry and Chair of the Division of Natural
Sciences at the State University of New York in Purchase,
and also Director of the Center for Mathematics and
Science Education there. The Center sponsored summer and
weekend professional development programs for teachers
and science programs for students. Throughout his long
involvement in pre-college education reform initiatives,
Dr. Parravano was awarded numerous grants, among them
awards from the National Science Foundation and the
DeWitt Wallace Reader's Digest Fund.
Since his appointment to the Institute, Dr. Parravano
has recruited staff with special expertise in education
and science. Among them are individuals with advanced
degrees in science and extensive experience in conducting
workshops for elementary teachers, a professional
development specialist, and a technical professional
formerly employed in the Merck Research Laboratories.
