teaching and leadership

Teaching is ​leadership. At its core, my leadership philosophy is rooted in human connection. I believe that to be a good mentor, one must first and foremost be a good listener and genuinely have empathy that goes beyond the classroom or workplace. In seeing my students fully, I ask that they truthfully see themselves as well. I believe this mutual awareness allows us to learn from each other the ways we can improve, thrive, and grow. 

Inorganic Materials Conservation Block
first year, WUDPAC

This course introduces aspects of the technology, manufacture, societal impact, composition, degradation, and conservation of objects made from the following inorganic materials: glass, ceramic, and metal. Theoretical aspects of these topics are shared through various lectures, demonstrations, and field trips. This is reinforced by practical hands-on activities relating to basic conservation techniques of inorganic materials.

Objects Major Curriculum
second year, WUDPAC

The second-year curriculum for objects majors aims to develop conservation treatment skills, scholarship, and research abilities in the specialty area of objects conservation. In addition, the second year strives to hone effective communication, professionalism, good ethical practice, and the ability to efficiently manage multiple consecutive projects with set deadlines. These goals are achieved through the students’ successful completion of object treatment projects, all of which require varying levels of research and documentation, and active attendance and participation in a series of seminars, as well as weekly lab meetings. 

Women's Leadership Initiative
Liaison, UD Art Conservation Department, 2023-present

In the spring of 2023, I participated in the Women's Leadership Online Certificate program sponsored by the University of Delaware's Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) and the Art Conservation Department. Seeing first-hand the value and impact that empowered leadership training can have, I am now working directly with the WLI to enhance future programming for art conservation students and alumni. I believe inspired leaders in the field of cultural heritage preservation will not only promote advocacy within institutions but will move our field forward and thus preservation efforts globally.

ICOM-CC Glass and Ceramics Working Group
Coordinator 2017-2023

At the ICOM-CC Triennial in Copenhagen in 2017, I was elected Coordinator of this dynamic international group dedicated to advancing research in the field of glass and ceramics conservation. Prior to this, I served as Assistant Coordinator and co-edited the volume of pre-prints for our 2016 Interim Meeting in Wrocław, Poland. In September 2019, we held a joint conference with Icon's Ceramic and Glass Group at the British Museum in London. Our 2022 interim meeting was held in a hybrid format, in Lisbon, Portugal, at FCT NOVA University of Lisbon and online! 

Society of Winterthur Fellows
Board member 2016-2023

I recently concluded six years of board service for the Society of Winterthur Fellows, the alumni association for the two Winterthur graduate programs. Though I currently teach for WUDPAC, I am first and foremost a 2010 alumna, as it was in graduate school when my love for the program began. In 2016, I was honored to join the SOWF board, as it was a chance to give back to the community that helped shape me. As the board's webmaster, I helped oversee the launching of a new website in 2017 that has greatly improved our ability to serve alumni and current fellows. The board continues to facilitate an exciting lineup of events, offer professional development grants for alumni and current fellows, and manage a member directory that connects alumni and increases networking opportunities.