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Meet Your Tour Guide: Allie

My name is Allie. I want to help bridge the gap between science and people. Scientists are often on the front lines of communicating current research to public audiences. With their knowledge and credibility they are able to dispel false information and misconceptions - which often finds its way into  public discussion. Effective science communication provides the public with a better understanding about topics ranging from health to environment.  As a result, society benefits as a whole. Unfortunately, scientists often lack the training to effectively communicate science to non-scientists. Researchers used to rely on conferences and papers to communicate their science, but now the conversation has moved outside of these two forms of communication. Now it is important for scientists to know how to create meaningful online conversations and connections with scientists and the wider public in a way that wasn’t possible before. My goal is to inform, educate  and rai...
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Museums Matter





Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy slashed $130 million, or 41%, from the budget of a university system that serves more than 26,000 students. The lack of funding will undoubtedly influence the financial situation of the  Museum of the North. This museum is run by the University of Alaska. This is a big deal. Without getting too political, it seems that culture, science and art funding are the first scapegoats in budget negotiations in federal and state governments. Why does this matter? Funding is needed for science museums, history museums, art museums and  culture museums to have public outreach, teach their community and be a great resource. It is also needed for science museums to conduct research.

Every dollar that is taken away from a museum is  knowledge that you are taking away from a community. Is it worth it?  I don’t think so. They say that education is the greatest equalizer. Well, education is not just taught in a classroom. Education can be taught in libraries, zoos and museums as well. For instance, the museum that I work for has a program, where they send museum researchers and educators to low income public schools. The aim of this program is to help bridge the educational gap between low income students and higher income students. The museum administraton noticed that the low income students who visited on field trips - weren’t educationally prepared yet.  So they took matters into their own hands.

 There is also a junior volunteer program in the musuem too. This is a program that gets funding through the state government. It allows teenagers to learn about the exhibits, give tours,  and work in the back of the house. The teens get hands on experience with researchers and administrative management. Can you imagine how much impact this program has on teenagers? This program allows teenagers to have a unique experience.   Without the funding, there will be no staff to supervise and train the volunteers. Someone once said:  “Don’t go to a museum with a destination. Museums are wormholes to other worlds. They are ecstasy machines. Follow your eyes to wherever they lead you…and the world should begin to change for you.” By visiting museums people are being impacted with enlightenment that can completely change their life trajectory. And all  museums (science, art, history) are needed- there is not one that is better than the other.

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