Gabriela Chavarria

Dr. Gabriela Chavarria was appointed as the Executive Director of ScienceWorks Museum in 2025. She is carrying forward ScienceWorks' mission of inspiring curiosity and wonder through scientific exploration and interactive experiences, and serving visitors of all ages.

She previously served as the Executive Director of the Burke Museum in Seattle. She's also served as VP and Chief Curator—Science Division, at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Senior Science Advisor, Forensic Science Branch Chief, and Science Advisor to the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Chief Scientist to several non-profit organizations (National Wildlife Federation, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Natural Resources Defense Council). 

Dr. Chavarria received her bachelor’s degree in biology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and her master’s and Ph.D. in biology from Harvard University. She serves on several boards and advisory councils, including, the American Institute of Biological Sciences, the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the Nature Conservancy in Colorado.

Growing up in Mexico City, Dr. Chavarria fell in love with bees at an early age. She's devoted her career to the conservation of native pollinators, especially bumble bees. She is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists.