Natural History Outreach and Exhibit Design

Are you interested in science education and outreach, natural history, art, or exhibit design? The UMass Natural History Collections is offering a unique opportunity for students to work with the natural history collections and design a new exhibit for the rotating exhibit space in Morrill Science Center. This is a 2-semester independent study project. During the fall semester, students will work as guides for the current exhibit while learning about exhibit design and effective ways to communicate science. They will also work together to design a new interdisciplinary exhibit. During the spring semester, students will install the new exhibit and continue as guides to promote their work.

Name of research group, project, or lab
UMass Natural History Collections
Why participate in this opportunity?

Working with and designing exhibits is a great way for all students to interact with science, regardless of their major. This project brings together a wide variety of fields, including art, science, history, communication, and education. Students will learn effective ways to communicate complex ideas to a broad audience, which is an important skill for any profession. 

Representative publication or further information
Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Science (Interdepartmental)
Student ranks applicable
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications
  • Students must committ to participating both Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
  • This opportunity is open to all students.
  • Students must have a strong interest in education and outreach and be able to work effectively as a group.
  • Students are required to serve as an exhibit guide for 2-3 hours per week during open hours (Monday-Friday, 10:00-5:00).
  • We will meet as a group once a week to work on exhibit concepts and design.
Time commitment
8-10 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Independent Study or Research Assistant credit
Teaching - Ind. Study Credit
Number of openings
15
Project start
September 2, 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
kdoyle@umass.edu
Collections Manager
Name of project director or principal investigator
Katherine Doyle
Email address of project director or principal investigator
kdoyle@umass.edu
15 sp. | 22 appl.
Hours
8-10 h/wk
Project categories
Science (Interdepartmental)