About Us
About Us
“The greatest scientists are artists as well.”
—Albert Einstein
We believe in potential—in people, in ideas, in the raw electricity of curiosity. Science is the language of wonder, and we speak it in all dialects: In data. In art. In the hum of a mind asking, “What if?”
We don’t just make products. We create space for the dreamers, the tinkerers, the deep divers and casual stargazers. For the ones on the front lines of research and the ones who simply love knowing the names of clouds. For anyone who’s ever felt awe at the vastness of a night sky or the elegance of a molecule.
We celebrate the ones who build rockets and the ones who name their plants after NASA rovers. The high-achievers, the late bloomers, the quiet observers, the loud question-askers.
Because we believe science is for everyone.
Not just for the published or the polished, but for the curious. The ones who explore, who play, who build, who imagine. And especially for those who’ve been told they don’t belong in the lab, in the field, in the room.
We are here to uplift, to ignite, to reflect back the brilliance we see in others, especially women, LGBTQIA+ folks, BIPOC scientists, disabled creatives, and anyone whose path has never fit a straight line.
We don’t care if your passion is particle physics or possum behavior. If it lights you up, it matters.
Because science isn’t just knowledge. It’s joy. It’s connection. It’s the freedom to say, “I don’t know yet—but I want to.
Because everyone loves a good origin story.
Our Story
Ever since I was a kid, art and science have battled for my attention. At the age of 14, I started Beadwork by Amanda to sell my jewelry at craft shows, mostly because my creative output exceeded my family’s capacity for “just one more piece.”
But when it came to academics, science stole my heart, and I took it all the way to a chemistry PhD—in semiconductors, no less! You can probably guess where this story is headed…
I discovered broken circuit boards in the lab while attending Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and decided to experiment by casting them in resin to create pendants. The result was striking, and craft show customers fell in love with the interplay between art and science. Circuit Breaker Labs was born.
As interest grew, my days were spent synthesizing quantum dots (tiny semiconductor crystals) at the University of Rochester, while nights were all about perfecting my artistic process.
This is the part of the story where both paths converge.
After successfully defending my PhD thesis in 2016, I directed all my energy toward growing the business. We are now one of the most prolific creators of handmade and custom circuit board art in the world, and it’s all made in our Washington, D.C. studio.
In 2021 we expanded the business to celebrate all STEM disciplines, not just the “T,” so Circuit Breaker Labs is now an exclusive product line within our broader Because Science store. Here you’ll find our handmade jewelry alongside stuffed axolotls and periodic table socks. Because we love those things too.
"Curiosity built this place. So ask questions, geek out, and tell us what lights you up—we’re all ears (and science puns)"
- Amanda Preske, Founder
About Circuit Breaker Labs
Discover The Artistry in Science
Discover The Artistry in Science
Our exclusive Circuit Breaker Labs collection of jewelry, art, decor, and more is handmade from upcycled circuit boards, then packaged and shipped from our Washington, D.C. studio. For something totally unique, we also specialize in custom and corporate orders, creating each item to your specifications. What can we make? The sky’s (virtually) the limit.
Staff Picks
We’re a motley crew of scientists and artists with tastes just as diverse as we are. Here are a few of our favorite things:
Amanda (she/her)
Owner/Founder of
Because Science &
Circuit Breaker Labs
Nerdy by nature but called to create, Amanda revels in finding where science & art merge. When not engrossed in entrepreneurship, Amanda enjoys tropical excursions and shopping at craft shows.
Favorite Product:
Rainbow Necklace
Natasha (she/her)
Studio Manager
Enjoys living in the District with her partner Blake and dog Bella. We love to explore the surrounding areas and visit historical sites and nature preserves.
Favorite Product:
Spring Floppy Coasters
Jinnelle
Store Manager
Enjoys reading, spending time with her two cats, coming up with new ideas for Because Science label exclusive items (stickers, cards, magnets, etc.)
Favorite Product:
Melanin Molecular Structure Sticker
Stephen
Operations Manager
Stephen is a proud DC native who loves to travel, cook, support local makers, and never misses a chance to cheer on our DC sports teams.
Favorite Product:
Metro Map Circuit Board Art
Sarah
Storefront Associate
Sarah loves bugs, critters, rodents, crochet, and documentaries. (We promise, Sarah isn't actually a sea cucumber)
Favorite Product:
Pink Circuit Board Heart Earrings
Caleb
Craft Lab Host
I am always learning and sharing knowledge, and I enjoy cooking, singing and playing piano, and exploring DC with friends.
Favorite Product:
Solar System Bracelet
Lara
Craft Lab Host
When Lara is not teaching or writing, you can find her watching live arts or playing pool!
Favorite Product:
Electronic Component Earrings
Kayla (she/her)
Studio Assistant
A recent graduate of George Washington University, Kayla loves cooking, exploring D.C., tap dancing, watching horror movies, and of course, crafting!
Favorite Product:
Animal Art, especially dogs!
Orly
Craft Lab Host
Orly is passionate about making science accessible and enjoyable for everyone. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading, photography, and exploring DC’s bakeries.
Favorite Product:
DNA Earrings
Manda
Media Coordinator
Manda works remotely from her front porch in Rochester, NY, accompanied by her dog, Chilly. She has a passion for reading (especially on the porch) and a deep love for animals, with a special fascination for ocean life.
Favorite Product:
Rainbow Circuit Board Necklace
Social Justice & Sustainability
Behind everything we sell is a deeper mission to support minorities in STEM and encourage environmental sustainability.
Social Justice is AweSTEM
As a woman-owned business with a diverse team, we use our platform to champion women, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ in STEM in the hopes of inspiring the next generation of budding scientists.
Learn more about aweSTEM people in our weekly newsletter and on our blog.
Respect for our Planet
Unfortunately there is no shortage of electronic waste on this planet, so we rescue pieces from the trash and transform them into art. If you have e-waste lying around, exchange it for store credit through our Upcycling Program.
Meet the maker
See us in-person
If you're local to the DMV area or Rochester, NY, there's a high probablility you'll run into us at a crafty or science-y event. Take a look at our Event Schedule to see where we'll be.
Where You Might Have Spotted Us…
Download our Press Kit for more press mentions
visit us
Shop Local
Stop by for gift suggestions (we know our stuff!), events, or just a curious browse.
Because Science Store
1759 Columbia Rd NW
(202) 248-1366 (call only) or text us at (571) 549-8028
Open Daily: Sun-Thurs Noon-6pm and Fri-Sat 11-7.
*Check our Google Business listing for the most up to date temporary/holiday hours
