Nuclear Engineer? From his Wikipedia I wouldn't really categorize him as a scientist. It also says he was really religious, which is also out of character for a scientist.
Woodrow Wilson was an intellectual (though not a scientist) and he was president.
Keep in mind the president's cabinet members probably consist of many scientists and this is probably sufficient for advising and keeping the president knowledgeable on issues.
Woodrow Wilson was a disaster, and quite the anti-intellectual towards subjects that lent themselves towards one correct answer. Some quotes of his: "I don't let facts cloud my opinions". "The natural man despises mathematics". Also, his Treaty of Versaille was the main cause of WWII. I have no idea why he is revered as a president.
EDIT: After brushing up on a little ww2 history, it seems as though I've attributed too much blame to Wilson. He pushed a liberal approach towards Germany, the French delegation pushed for harsh reparations, and he lost out.
Woodrow Wilson was an intellectual (though not a scientist) and he was president.
Keep in mind the president's cabinet members probably consist of many scientists and this is probably sufficient for advising and keeping the president knowledgeable on issues.
Obama's cabinet:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Chu - Nobel prize in physics - Secretary of Energy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_Blank - PhD in Econ - Secretary of Commerce
Probably more scientists on board.