Museology Communications and Marketing Assistant Xavier Lucas-Cooper (’27) spoke with Aiden Sweeney (’27) about her work study experience at the Burke Museum.
What is your academic background and how did that draw you to your position in the Burke?
One of the main reasons I wanted to work at the Burke was their paleontological collections! My background is in invertebrate paleontology, and I’d just wrapped up a program in paleobotany before starting at UW. The opportunity to work in collections again was a major draw for me, personally and professionally.
How does your work in the Burke mirror what you learn in the classes you’re taking this quarter? If not, in what ways does your work supplement your classes?
My work at the Burke has been a wonderful application of what I’ve been learning in Collections Management this quarter. I’ve worked in museums before, but my classes have given me a new appreciation for all that goes on and a new lens to view my own contributions. I strongly feel that the opportunity to see the course lessons in action in a museum has been invaluable.
How does your work at the Burke relate to your future career goals?
I intend to pursue a position in collection management in a natural history museum after graduation. My supervisors at the Burke have given me a kind, yet realistic view of what that future may look like. I feel more confident in my career goals having had this opportunity.
What is your favorite part of your work at the Burke?
My favorite part of my work at the Burke are the specimen cards! They’re a small window, not only into a fossil’s background, but into all the decisions made by the institution that led to that specific fossil sitting before you. I think it’s a beautiful bit of connection between all the people that cared for and will care for the fossils in these collections.