What inspires me

Seeing the moment that the learner understands the topics and concepts being discussed–whether it is in a classroom, a gallery, or at an exhibit—and the learning process then becomes a shared and dynamic experience. Also, the challenge of always making learning an enjoyable experience for both the learner and the facilitator.

Background

I am the Director of the William A. Helsell Education Department at The Museum of Flight in Seattle. I studied history at the University of Alberta, received my Master of Arts in Museology at the University of Washington, and have worked at aviation and transportation museums in the United States and Canada. I teach museum education for the UW’s Graduate Program in Museology and serve on the advisory board for the Museum Studies Certificate Program, have spoken at a variety of museum conferences, and won the 2012 UW PCE Excellence in Teaching Award.

Specializations

Museum education, aerospace education, making paper airplanes, obscure Canadian trivia