Education
B.A. in History – University of Northern Iowa (2013)
M.A. in History with a Public History emphasis – University of Northern Iowa (2015)

What do you do in your current position?
As Executive Director of the Cedar Falls Historical Society, I oversee all aspects of museum operations, including development, marketing and community engagement. I enjoy working for an organization that celebrates local history and preserves it for future generations.

How did your major help prepare you? 
Studying history teaches skills such as research, writing and critical thinking, which I use every day. I also had the opportunity to learn about all of the different aspects of working in museums, which provided me with the foundation needed to work in a small museum where staff members often need to wear many different hats.

Most memorable part of your studies?
One of my favorite classes was called Reading and Mapping the Historic Landscape, taught by Dr. Thomas Connors. As a class, we studied significant locations in the history of Cedar Falls and created a website that utilizes research, photographs and maps to tell the stories of the history that is all around us. I enjoyed being able to take research and turn it into a usable product.

What advice would you give future panthers?
Participate in internships if you have a chance. Internships provide insight into how the skills you learn in class can be used in the real world, and it gives you a chance to build your resume. Plus, internships provide an opportunity to network with others in the field. Little did I know that an internship at the Cedar Falls Historical Society would lead to a job there just a few years later!