Collections Volunteer
Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways
This volunteer opportunity collaboration was crafted between Dr. Holly Cusack-McVeigh (of IUPUI) and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan of the Ziibiwing Center in Mt. Pleasant, MI. My efforts were completed virtually where I helped complete three tasks: 1.) compile research and resources for Integrated Pest Management of Indigenous collections, 2.) conduct research to information and documents of the Mt. Pleasant Indian Boarding School and report to the Ziibiwing Center Archivist, and 3.) identify and find any artifacts or ancestral remains of the tribe in national or international institutions (as well as national and international repatriation laws).
Collections Volunteer
The Indiana Medical History Museum
Through the collaboration of IUPUI's Museum Studies course, "Preventive Conservation" and the Indiana Medical History Museum, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Site. Over the course of two days, I helped dust the library collection and medical equipment while also witnessing XRF testing on the collection. This year, as a Teaching Assistant, I taught and guided the students on proper handling and cleaning.
Collections Volunteer
Eagle Creek Ornithology Center - Eagle Creek Park Foundation
Through the collaboration of IUPUI's Museum Studies course, "Preventive Conservation" and Eagle Creek, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Ornithology Center for two years, 2021 and 2022. I helped dust the ornithology collection to protect the taxidermy birds as well as visitors from an extensive amount of dust. This dust cleaning happens once a year through this collaboration. This year, as a Teaching Assistant, I was able to play more of a mentor role and taught and guided the students on proper handling and cleaning. This volunteering helps bring awareness to bird conservation.
Exhibit Volunteer
Concord Neighborhood Center/ IUPUI
I helped cut the Photo Tex panels and mount the panels on the Gator Board. This gave me reinforced experience in cutting panels (as I cut the panels of the exhibit SHIFT) and experience in mounting panels. I had to ensure I did not smudge, stretch, or miscut the panels, as well as peeling and smoothing the Photo Tex onto the Gator board. The exhibit and panels would later be installed at the Concord Neighborhood Center