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Museology

Q: Please tell us about your background and why you decided to come to the iSchool.

A: I am Colombian, a historian and a political scientist. Prior to coming to the U.S.,  I have lived in different places and worked in different museums in Colombia and Australia, where I had amazing opportunities to meet with diverse people. I put effort into creating meaningful and reciprocal connections because people want to be seen, share their personal stories and feel that their perspectives in museums matter. I decided to pursue a master's in museology at UW because I wanted to strengthen my experience with academic theories and exchange knowledge with other cultures and points of view.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the field you have chosen to study?

A: You need to be passionate because without passion, museums can be very boring. That passion led me to pursue a master’s in museology, driven by a desire to create meaningful change in the field. Museology has historically focused on predominantly white perspectives or those in positions of power, and I think shifting this focus to amplify diverse voices made me realize the importance of representation in museums. Representation matters because when visitors see themselves reflected in museum spaces, they become more engaged and learn more about their own history. So I think that museums are not only places to learn, but also to engage in dialogue with others and question yourself, while creating a positive impact on education and culture.  

Q: What’s been your favorite iSchool course or learning experience (i.e. directed fieldwork, research project, etc.)?

A: My favorite iSchool courses are Indigenous Art is Indigenous Knowledge, taught by Dr. Miranda Belarde-Lewis; and Community Engagement, taught by Dr. Meena Selvakumar. Both classes are very meaningful to me, because both highlight the importance of work with communities who actively have been demanding more representation and decision-making in museums. These classes gave me the inspiration to start my thesis research about decolonization in museums. Both professors have encouraged me to improve my critical thinking about representation of Indigenous communities in museums.

Q: What’s the most important non-technical skill you use for this field? 

A: Building relationships is key. It is important to have genuine intentions to connect with others and help cultivate active listening — a skill that allows you to truly understand different perspectives on the world. This kind of learning enhances how you approach museums, especially as they strive to become more inclusive. Being open-minded, particularly when engaging with differing viewpoints, is a vital yet challenging skill. It’s something I’ve been working on for years, and this effort has shaped my perspective.

Q: Please share any additional academic plans you may be pursuing.

A: Currently, I am developing a community-based exhibit called “Voces Latinas de Resiliencia” at the . The goal of this exhibit is to highlight local stories of diverse migrant women who have suffered gender violence and found, through community and art, a way to be resilient. I am very proud of this project, which is set to launch in February 2025.

Q: What is next on the horizon for you (i.e., goals or aspirations)?

A: My dream is to work in various museums, travel and collaborate with diverse communities. Before I started this master’s, I aspired to pursue a career in curation. However, as I began my master’s program and listened to different perspectives, I realized I wanted to elevate my professional development and aim for a leadership role in the U.S. One day, I hope to become a museum director. I know this goal requires extensive training and effort, but I believe I’ve gained the skills and confidence needed to be a leader.

Q: What advice do you have for students interested in museology, particularly other students coming to the U.S. from other countries to pursue museology?

A: Trust in yourself and in the process rather than in the result. Coming from another country, it takes time to assimilate to the culture, the language and different perspectives, so have compassion for yourself. While you are learning, you are gaining wisdom, knowledge and improving yourself, so try to enjoy the process as well.