The South Huntington School District has named Dr. Scott Muller as its new districtwide Supervisor of Science, Engineering, and Research. Bringing two decades of administrative leadership within the district, Dr. Muller moves into this new role after serving four years as Administrative Dean and 16 years as Assistant Principal at Walt Whitman High School. He was named the 2025 New York State Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

The appointment marks a return to his roots in STEM education for Dr. Muller, who spent six years as a classroom science teacher prior to entering school administration.

Dr. Muller received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Binghamton University, his Master of Science in Elementary Education from Dowling College, his Post-Master’s Certification in School District Administration from Stony Brook University, and his Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from St. John’s University. 

We spoke with Dr. Muller about his new role. The answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Q&A 

What do you love about science?  
Dr. Muller:  “It's hands-on, interesting, and fascinating because it's always evolving. History happened, but in science, we think we know what's causing something, and then experimentation reveals that wasn't true and upends everything. We're never done with science. I also know kids like hands-on learning. Sometimes our science curriculum gets in the way of hands-on learning, and I want more kids at a younger age to be inspired to become scientists—or at least learn more science. The scientific method of observing, making a hypothesis, and testing it is relevant to all areas of life, from buying a house to making decisions. Especially today, with social media and rapid news, we need well-educated citizens who can evaluate information and determine fact from fiction.” 

What are your thoughts on teaching science in the primary and elementary grades, including Pre-K?
Dr. Muller:  “Right now, my goal is to listen. I need to speak to elementary teachers and administrators to ask what they need from me and how I can better support them with science in elementary grades. Up through 6th grade is technically elementary. I was speaking to a 6th-grade teacher who noted how tough it is when students come in without a strong foundation.”

What about the middle school level?
Dr. Muller:  “I want to see how the curriculum is aligned so students are prepared when they reach the Regents level needed for graduation. For example, the new Regents assessment requires a lot of reading and interpreting graphs and charts. Teachers who scored highest were ENL teachers because they teach literacy. We need to support 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teachers in integrating literacy into science across the P–12 continuum. If we want a robust research program, it shouldn't start in 9th grade. For instance, at a recent conference, I learned about a 3M program where 6th to 8th graders submit a 1-to-2 minute video and get paired with a 3M engineer mentor. Programs like that drive excitement for kids. We also have the STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) through Farmingdale State College, and I want to look at how to increase participation so we can better support students.” (Note: The STEP program is a New York State Education Program that helps students acquire the skills necessary for successful entry into college and science, engineering, technology, health-related fields, and licensed professions.)

Is there anything you want to improve or change at the high school level?  
Dr. Muller:  “Bolstering the research class so more students participate and earn high-level awards. Helping teachers navigate the new curriculum and Regents assessments for Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and Living Environment. I like the current high school course offerings—they support diverse student interests with independent research, Marine Biology, Forensics, and courses like Patient Zero. As the world changes, electives should evolve, too, such as incorporating cybersecurity or responding to real-world topics. It's also important to ask students what electives interest them and see how these courses align with CTE (Career and Technical Education) and multiple graduation pathways.” 

How do you plan to expand opportunities for students beyond the classroom?
Dr. Muller:  “I’m very excited about exploring ways to make connections to outside agencies. Companies and non-profits on Long Island want to connect with schools, and one of my goals in this position is to establish those connections to provide mentorships and real-world learning opportunities. Another potential connection is the hospital and academic medical center proposed by NYU Langone Health in Melville coming up in about 8 to 10 years. I need to reach out to NYU Langone now to make sure our district gets connected at the graduate level.”  

How do you feel about stepping away from direct student interaction, given how much you enjoyed working with your class at Whitman? 
Dr Muller: “I will definitely miss it, but I'll still be connected with kids—meeting with STEP students over breakfast, visiting elementary classrooms, spending time in the research labs, and connecting students with outside mentors at places like Stony Brook, Cold Spring Harbor, and Brookhaven National Lab. When I transitioned from teaching to administration, it was challenging, but learning and growing kept me energized. I feel that same excitement now.”