Reflection

Before I began my academic journey at the University of Oklahoma, I had recently completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Aberdeen, where I obtained a joint-honors degree in Archaeology and Art History in 2023. When I applied to this program, I had no prior work experience in the museum field; therefore, I wanted to find a program that aligned with my background and career goals and would ultimately help me reach my end goal of working in the museum as a curator. This program shaped my understanding of museums and their role in society, such as the importance of community engagement, visitor-centric design, and the implementation of DEAI standards to provide meaningful visitor experiences for the public.  

The first courses I took in this program were MST 5113 The World of the Museum, and MST 5163 Museum Management and Leadership. These courses were an excellent introduction to graduate-level coursework. MST 5113 provided me with knowledge of museum theory and practice regarding the museum’s foundational operations and ethical standards (PLO-2 and 7). The course enhanced my communication skills through group assignments and discussion boards, and expanded my critical thinking on how I would resolve a museum conflict (PLO-3 and 4). By taking MST 5113, I gained an understanding of ethical governance, transparency, and accountability in the museum (PLG-1). The course also expanded my interpretive writing skills that support accurate and authentic museum interpretation (PLG-4). MST 5163 provided me with an understanding of management and leadership in the museum (PLO-1), enhanced my critical thinking through coursework on strategic planning (PLO-2), and strengthened my communication skills through discussion boards (PLO-3). The course also went hand in hand with MST 5113 in broadening my understanding of ethical museum standards (PLO-7). Completing this course helped me expand my knowledge of the museum’s operations and functions, public engagement, and museum programming, as showcased in the fundraising letter (PLG-3). By learning to resolve a museum crisis and write a fundraising letter, I was equipped to address challenges that can arise in the museum effectively and efficiently. 

As I began to advance through the program, my goals grew and evolved. Through the courses MST 5183 Collections Management and MST 5333 Introduction to Museum Interpretation, I enhanced my understanding of ethical stewardship in museums, community engagement, and the implementation of accurate and authentic interpretation strategies. MST 5183 provided me with theoretical knowledge of collection management and how to develop a Collection Management Policy (PLO-2), while class discussions enhanced my communication skills (PLO-4). The course also deepened my understanding of the implementation of ethical professional standards in collection care to ensure objects are properly protected, handled, and stored (PLO-1 and 7). MST 5333 enhanced my knowledge of audience engagement and the importance of fostering ethical interpretation strategies to develop inclusive and diverse exhibitions for all audiences, showcased in the final course-spanning project, The Identity of Women: Romanticism to Reality (PLO-2, 3, and 7). Through class discussion boards, the course also advanced my communication skills (PLO-4). Completing the course allowed me to develop a thorough understanding of the importance of audience engagement, creating exhibition floor plans, and identifying key exhibition design concepts through an interpretation strategy that aids in enhancing the visitor experience (PLG-2). The course also provided me with knowledge in creating inclusive and community-driven exhibitions that showcase marginalized and underrepresented communities by incorporating DEAI initiatives (PLG-4). 

In addition, MST 5173 Museums, Cultures, and Communities, MST 5700 Exhibit Development, and MST 5423 Controversy and the World of the Museum advanced my knowledge and understanding of ethical stewardship, and taught me the skills to create visually gripping exhibits that communicate authentic and accurate narratives and storytelling. These courses also enabled me to determine what is controversial in the museum, and learn to develop meaningful connections between the audience and the museum collection that is inclusive, diverse, transparent, and accountable. By taking MST 5173, my knowledge of museum concepts evolved, drawing on texts such as Jeffrey K. Smith’s (2014) The Museum Effect, which argues that the museum can make one a better person (PLO-2 and 3).1 This was the first course that required recording for all assignments and discussion boards, and ultimately, the recordings became a large contributor to my communication skills, further enhancing my confidence and public speaking (PLO-4). The recordings in the course also required me to incorporate technology, such as Zoom and MyMedia (PLO-6). My Final Multimedia Presentation, Timeless Threads: A Proposal for the Museum of Fashion and Couture, demonstrates the implementation of multicultural awareness and diversity in museum collections (PLO-7). Through this course, I was able to enhance my professional expertise in designing a museum and exhibitions that reflect community needs, as well as learn to create diverse and inclusive spaces that are accessible and include interactive elements to engage audiences in learning new interpretations and fostering meaningful visitor experiences (PLG-2). This course also gave me expertise in ensuring exhibition spaces incorporate visitor-centric design and interpretive strategies (PLG-3), through the study of community-driven interpretation practices that showcase marginalized and underrepresented communities in exhibition narratives by community members and scholars (PLG-4). 

Through coursework in MST 5700, I enhanced my critical thinking, knowledge of museum topics, and leadership and management capabilities by learning the four key processes of exhibit development: planning, design, fabrication, and installation (PLO-1, 2, and 3). Course discussion boards and peer review further developed my communication skills (PLO-4), and creating my Omeka digital exhibition, Roots of Resistance: The Art of Elizabeth Catlett, enhanced my technology skills through website design (PLO-5). In this project, it was crucial that I incorporated research skills that accurately and authentically showcased the works of artist Elizabeth Catlett, ethically and respectfully addressing topics of systemic racism and bias (PLO-7). By completing the course, I expanded my curatorial and exhibition planning skills through research and exhibition development. This includes key skills in developing an exhibition concept, theme, writing labels, and designing an inclusive and diverse digital exhibit on Omeka that engages all audiences (PLG-1). The course further aided me in developing the skills necessary in exhibit design that incorporate spatial planning to create exhibition layouts that help guide visitors and enhance storytelling (PLG-2). Furthermore, the course provided me with the knowledge of the importance of utilizing interactive displays and multimedia technologies to help in creating visitor-centric experiences that facilitate community collaboration and foster meaningful and emotional connections within an exhibition space (PLG-4). I have been in contact with Fairfield Foundation over the development of this online exhibit, and I plan to propose the digital exhibit, along with the exhibit brief and artifact data sheet, to the board and directors at a later date. MST 5423 pushed me to critically analyze and think about controversies in the museum field (PLO-3). The course discussion boards were a great way to interact with peers, enhancing communication skills (PLO-4). The final project for the course, Ethical Responsibilities and Repatriation Practices in Ethnographic Museums, encouraged me to expand my understanding of the implementation of professional and ethical museum standards regarding repatriation, a museum topic that I am extremely passionate about (PLO-7). Completing this course expanded my awareness and knowledge of repatriation, which helps promote institutional accessibility to the public (PLG-1), and helped me identify controversies in the museum and how to improve and prevent them (PLG-2).  

There were two courses that challenged me the most in my academic learning in the MAMS program: MST 5143 Research Methods and MST 5073 Technology for Museum Professionals. MST 5143 helped me develop my critical thinking and deepen my understanding of research analysis. By completing the Literature Review, Provenance and Restitution: Challenges in Art and History Museum Collections Regarding Ethics, Legality, and Ownership, I advanced my knowledge and critical thinking of museum theory and practice over repatriation and provenance, and challenges that can be encountered in ethics and legality over object ownership in Art and History museum collections (PLO-2, 3, and 7). The course also improved my communication skills through discussion boards (PLO-4) and enhanced my research skills regarding the application of quantitative and qualitative research methods, teaching me beyond what I knew from my undergraduate studies (PLO-6). By completing MST 5143, I was able to improve how I conducted research, especially in relation to provenance (PLG-1), and expand my knowledge on key theories and methodologies in provenance and digital access, which further developed strong ethical interdisciplinary research skills that aided in promoting accountability, transparency, authenticity, and accurate museum interpretation (PLG-4). On the other hand, MST 5073 taught me various digital technology programs, and ethical and legal issues over open-access databases and Generative AI (PLO-5 and 7). The course also improved my critical thinking over technology use in the museum (PLO-3), along with improving my communication skills through class discussion with my peers (PLO-4). In addition, the course enhanced my skills related to collections management software, digital archiving, and open access through the completion of the Final Technology Briefing (PLG-1). This broadened my comprehension of integrating multimedia technologies into exhibition spaces to create immersive environments to ensure the exhibit is engaging and enhances the visitor experience (PLG-2 and 4). Moreover, MST 5073 gave me digital proficiency in technologies that could be implemented at Timberneck House in the future, such as AR and VR, to create immersive, interactive installations that aid the audience’s interpretations. 

Lastly, MST 5920 Independent Project and MST 5763 Capstone were two courses I took in my last semester in the Museum Studies program. My internship (MST 5920) furthered my knowledge beyond the theoretical into practical hands-on experience, in which I developed more efficient and effective communication skills through correspondence with my site supervisor and community development team, as well as grew my confidence to develop a lesson plan and activity for the education department, which was accomplished by taking the initiative and organizing meetings with my site supervisor and purposefully engaging in the weekly team meetings (PLO-1 and 4). Improving my communication and public speaking skills was also discussed in my SWOT Analysis. Taking this course also enhanced my critical thinking and my ability to synthesize information related to a museum setting through research, critical evaluation of works in a museum’s collection, and the creation of an educational resource, based on the museum’s collection (PLO-2, 3, and 6). My technology skills were further enhanced by engaging with staff on SharePoint and by developing a lesson plan and activity, with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation (PLO-5). When creating this resource, it was also essential to ensure compliance with professional ethical standards (PLO-7). By completing this course, I developed valuable skills through hands-on experience over the internal operations and functions of a museum, including participation in community meetings, observation, assistance, and co-facilitation alongside community education staff (PLG-3). MST 5763 was an amalgamation of my entire academic journey in the MAMS program. The completion of this course showcases skills to critically analyze, synthesize, and reflect on all course topics, demonstrating advanced knowledge of museum theory and practices, and highlights my ability to conduct and critically evaluate research, along with applying technology skills through the creation of this e-Portfolio (PLO-2, 3, 5, and 6). Completing the course also showcases my ability to communicate, through various recorded assignments, discussion boards, and practical hands-on experience, displays my leadership and management skills through coursework and my internship, and implements professional ethical standards that aim to uphold DEAI standards in museum collections and facility operations (PLO-1, 4, and 7). By the end of the entire MAMS program, I had achieved all Personal Learning Goals. 

Challenges encountered in the program included group projects and learning how to Chicago reference. Other challenges included pushing myself to learn topics I might not have naturally gravitated towards, thereby developing stronger interdisciplinary research skills. However, these challenges were overcome through teamwork that established clear and effective communication and peer collaboration, along with reviewing Chicago guidelines and resources, and reviewing assignment feedback. Moreover, by improving my research skills, I was able to expand my interpretive writing over key methodologies and theories. This program influenced me by broadening my understanding of museum collaboration to help foster meaningful and impactful visitor experiences that further incorporate the diverse perspectives of marginalized communities. This program further changed me to think more critically about interpretation strategies and the importance of implementing ethical stewardship in museum collections. I am now able to think more strategically about museum concepts, and through the skills and experiences gained throughout this program, I have the confidence and capabilities to be an impactful member of the museum community. When I entered this program, it was with the distinct purpose of deepening my understanding of the function and operation of museums, all to equip me with the skills to become a curator. As I conclude my time in the University of Oklahoma’s Master of Arts in Museum Studies program, I am extremely proud of the work I have accomplished and eager to start my professional career in the museum field. I am thankful to the Museum Studies department and my professors, who, for the past two years, have provided invaluable feedback and insight and have constantly encouraged me to do my best. It has been phenomenal to reflect on where I was two years ago and all that I have learned throughout this program. I look forward to the future when I can apply all that I have learned as a museum professional to create impactful, diverse, inclusive, and engaging experiences that allow all visitors to connect with one another and learn new perspectives and interpretations.