Graduate Assistant / September 2015 – May 2016

During my final year of graduate school, I worked part-time as the assistant to the Coordinator of the History Department's Media Center.  In addition to providing general technical support, I worked on a number of technology-related projects for the department and individual faculty members. For the first time, I designed promotional materials, coordinated interviews, and taped/edited presentation recordings. I also maintained and managed the department websites, and initiated/managed a project to revise and redesign one of the program website.

The largest project I initiated was an equipment and media inventory. Implementing a barcode system, I consolidated and cataloged hundreds of cables, computers, videos, and DVDs, followed by a wholesale reorganization of the collection.

Exhibition Department Intern / June – August 2015, January-February 2016

During the summer of 2015, I had the fortune of interning in the Exhibitions Department at the Winterthur Museum.  The primary project I took on was a redevelopment of a solitary display case called the “Bow Window.” This case is located in the museum’s reception foyer, and typically contains more light-hearted displays than other gallery spaces.  The current display, titled What Is That?!, was curated and installed by a student in 2011, and was long overdue for a change.  The case is roughly 5.5 feet long by 5 feet high, and the moderate size allowed me to go through the whole exhibition process from inception to installation in a reasonable time frame.  I obtained a detailed checklist of tasks that needed to be accomplished and took on a project management role.   My supervisor and I created a schedule, narrowed down a topic, and I refined the content and themes, selected objects from the Winterthur collection, consulted with the staff curators on object selection, consulted with conservation staff about the types of objects that could or could not be used in that particular case, and wrote label copy.

Alongside this primary project, I was allowed to shadow the other members of the exhibition team as they worked on other pending projects, and gained practical experience with tasks such as dry-mounting graphics and painting display cases, and learned a great deal about the various thought and decision processes that go into putting together a cohesive show.   In addition, I was able to join meetings with other departments and contribute to discussions about other upcoming exhibitions, which gave me a holistic view of the exhibitions process.  I found that many aspects of exhibition work appeal to me (particularly collaboration with other departments and institutions, project management, and graphic design), and I hope to continue down a similar track in my professional career.

Milton Historical Society, Milton, DE

Volunteer [University of Delaware Museum Studies SWAT] / January 2015

In January 2015, I served as a University of Delaware Museum Studies SWAT volunteer. Our team spent two weeks at the Milton Historical Society in Milton, Delaware, completing a variety of collections management related projects. My tasks included entering records into Past Perfect, cataloging paper and artifact collections, photographing objects, creating ephemeral finding aids, re-housing archival collections, and organizing storage spaces.

Registration Department Graduate Assistant / September 2014 – May 2015

In my position as a graduate assistant in the Registration office at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, I broadened my skills and deepened my understanding of the proper care, handling, and organization of a large and diverse collection of American decorative arts.  I was responsible for inventory, numbering, labeling, photographing and completing condition reports for incoming object loans and acquisitions.  Additionally, I documented the period rooms prior to installations and de-installations.  I have also participated in guide training as well as art handling and object movement.

Archaeological Analyst / May 2010 – July 2014

Archaeological Field Technician / March 2010 – April 2010

Archaeological Laboratory Teaching Assistant / June – July 2010-2014

As an Archaeological Analyst in the Monticello Department of Archaeology, I conducted a variety of tasks relating to the processing and analysis of excavated artifacts, including cleaning, labeling, and housing.  Working with the lab manager, I maintained, executed, and initiated organizational projects for an extensive collection.  Over the course of four and a half years, I cataloged 197,667 artifacts from 11 excavation projects.  I conducted and compiled background research on archaeological sites and objects using documentary sources, excavation reports, and other print and electronic resources.  As part of a re-analysis of excavations from the 1980s, I reconstructed archaeological evidence using incomplete and often contradictory excavation records and drawings.  I was also involved in assisting researcher inquiries, served as a laboratory teaching assistant for the UVa-Monticello Archaeological Field School, and supervised interns and volunteers.

At Monticello, I also helped to put together interpretive presentations and engaging activities for a variety of audiences, including donors, school groups, and the public.  I have also provided on-site interpretation and assisted with site tours of excavations and findings to the public.  Additionally, I assisted the Foundation President/CEO in guiding a select group of donors on a horseback tour of the plantation, where I was able to share information about location-specific archaeological projects and findings.

Collections Management Intern / July – August 2009

After completing my Bachelor's degree, I spent a summer at the Hagley Museum, where I acquired my first in-depth experience with a museum collection. I primarily worked on a diverse collection of early plastic and other celluloid objects, processing them through multiple phases of a survey project, including labeling, repackaging, photographing, filing paperwork, and database cataloging. Because plastics are an unstable and deteriorating material, I became adept at examining and handling the objects in a safe manner.

Sales Associate / June 2006 – August 2007 (seasonal)

Served customers as primary point of contact; handled and re-directed customer inquiries to generate sales within a high-traffic store. Twice received the store's 'Catch the Spirit Award' for excellent teamwork and customer service.