About Us
About Us
“The greatest scientists are artists as well.”
—Albert Einstein
Because Science is a love letter to all things STEM, particularly the fusion of art and science. A lot of the products you’ll find here and in our shop are handmade in our very own design lab, while some are the brainchild of other creators. We celebrate it all because science literally makes the world go ‘round.
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.
We invite curiosity so have a browse and ask us anything. Really. We love to talk shop.
- 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
Lea (he/she/they)
Assistant Studio Manager & Illustrator
Lea is a studio assistant and Illustrator with a love for microbiology. When not in the studio, they can be found playing RPGs and cuddling their dogs. You can check out more of their art at:
www.alyssaproudfoot.com
Favorite Product:
Mini Rainbow Heart
Circuit Board Art
Natasha (she/her)
Studio Manager
Natasha joined the company in June 2021 and has been loving it ever since! She enjoys hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving and hanging with her dog Bella. She is always crafting and creating.
Favorite Product:
Heart Necklace
Trina
Studio Assistant
Trina is a vital team member in the studio and started in June 2021. When she is not in the studio she enjoys hanging with family and her dog Snoop. She can also be found watching her favorite shows and shopping for new shoes!
Favorite Product:
Floppy Disc Coaster Set
Carina
Studio + Store Assistant
“I love to bring my passions of animals and the outdoors to my jewelry design work, especially owls, squirrels and turtles. Ultimately my dream would be to raise environmental awareness through my own collection.”
Favorite Product:
Red Necklace
Alex
Studio Assistant
Alex is a talented jewelry designer (SomniumOfAlexRose.etsy.com) and loves learning, experimenting + tinkering. Working with her hands brings her immense peace and she puts a lot of love into everything she does.
Favorite Product:
Copper Circuit Board Cuff Bracelet
Andy
Event Manager
Andy is our event manager at Because Science! She comes from Colombia and is finishing her degree here in the states. She enjoys hanging with friends in her down time.
Favorite Product:
Statistically Significant
Greeting Card
Shy
Studio Assistant
Consistently called down to earth, but heads always in the clouds. When not working with circuit boards, Shy enjoys spending time with her cat and boyfriend at home with good movies and good hot chocolate.
Favorite Product:
Maryland Crab Ornament
Mica
Studio Assistant
When not covering himself in paint, Mica loves spending time with his beloved dog Daphne. He can also be found playing board games with friends or enjoying a peaceful evening playing his piano.
Favorite Product:
Saturn Mini Circuit Board Art
Jinnelle
Assistant Store Manager
Jinn enjoys listening to music, reading, and snuggling with her cats Elliott & Wednesday.
Favorite Product:
Rainbow Link Bracelet
Casey Franklin
Marketing Assistant
Casey spends her days hiking and hanging out with woodland creatures- her day job is at a nature center. She loves adventuring outside just as much as she loves relaxing indoors with a book, a recipe, or too much Netflix. She's been a big fan of Amanda's work since middle school.
Favorite product:
Rocket Test Tube Earrings
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
(571) 549-8028
Open Daily 11am-8pm
*Click store info for temporary/holiday hours
