Curator | Bioarchaeology & Natural History

Hi ya!

I’m Sophia, a graduate of museum studies from Indiana University Indianapolis, specializing in collections management, exhibition design, and bioarchaeological research. I hold an undergraduate degree in anthropology and classical studies from Purdue University, with concentrations in cioarchaeology and material cultures, where I developed a strong interest in objects, history, and the ways we interpret and tell their stories.

In my gallery work, I’ve gained hands-on experience in installations and exhibition design, focusing on creating exhibitions that engage diverse audiences and explore new perspectives. I’m especially passionate about using research and intentional storytelling to connect ideas, objects, and audiences in meaningful ways. On the practical side, my experience in inventory management and logistics supports a detail-oriented and organized approach to my work.

Museums are my favorite spaces for learning, connecting, and sparking curiosity, and I love finding creative ways to help people engage with the stories objects can tell.

Who I am as a professional.

Mission

to encourage community members to actively engage and participate in all aspects of the museum, particularly exhibition development and academic research. I advocate for community collaboration to ensure stories and lived experiences are told accurately, ethically, and with care.

Vision

to demystify museums, their exhibitions, and their collections for public access and to foster greater community collaboration in storytelling and increase accessibility to these spaces. I will be a leader who centers underrepresented individuals and communities within exhibition, collections, and research practices.

VaLUES

Empathy

accessibility

collaboration

Preservation

I approach exhibition development and research with empathy, ensuring communities and their histories are represented with accuracy, respect, and care.

I believe museums are for everyone. All individuals should feel welcomed, see themselves reflected, and have meaningful access to museum spaces regardless of background.

I am committed to working alongside marginalized communities to dismantle and decolonize exhibitions, collections, and research, centering community voices and lived experiences

I am dedicated to preserving cultural heritage through education, conservation, research, and sustained community engagement.