This summer, I interned at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY as a museum assistant in the biology and geology departments. In this role, I organized the university's fossil collections, created a new labelling system for lab specimens, as well as designed and installed a display in the Johnson Hall of Science. During these weeks, I had the opportunity to work with multiple professors and faculty members to understand their research and expand my proficiency in various skills.
During this internship, I was able to sand and prepare wooden shelves and cut rocks in order to maximize available space.
My primary focus during this internship was to gain firsthand experience working in a museum setting for a longer period of time. I was particularly interested in the organization and preservation of fossilized specimens in the university collection.
In addition to achieving this goal, I developed stronger communication skills, particularly in a professional setting when talking to a colleague. I also improved my ability to observe social cues in a professional academic setting.
I have a strong passion for fossil preservation and museum studies, which led me to pursue an internship at St. Lawrence University. This experience helped me refine my future career interests. I was previously considering curatorial positions, however now I specifically want to work in fossil preparation and preservation. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Nagel-Myers this summer, and I believe that this was an essential step towards my future career.