10 Within 10 Recognition

I teach a program at MSI called “Live from the Heart.” We livestream an open-heart surgery being performed at a local hospital. Students from all over the country can watch this surgery live and talk with the entire surgical team throughout the procedure. The students can ask the surgeon, anesthesiologist or the perfusionist (operator of the heart-lung machine) about their role in the operating room — all while watching this world-class team work on a heart.

What are you proudest of?

I’m leading the charge in accessibility and inclusion in education. I believe meaningful science engagement should be accessible to learners of all abilities. I’m passionate about making museums welcoming for everyone, being a fierce advocate for my brother, who has disabilities. I’m proud that I have helped in some small part, within my sphere of influence, to break down systematic barriers of oppression that prevent all people from feeling welcome in museums.

What advice would you give new graduates?

“Be a “yes” person. Take every single job, every opportunity, every connection you can. I said yes to new jobs, responsibilities and challenges and also to late nights, long commutes and changing uniforms in Ubers in between jobs. It has all been worth it.

What has your work life taught you?

Radical empathy. This job and this workplace have exposed me to such diversity, and I think of the museum as a microcosm. I truly believe that the way we move forward and get better is to practice radical empathy.

If you could do anything right now, what would you do?

I’d really love to be having pizza at The Bird.

Education coordinator of student experiences at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

What has been your coolest moment since graduation?

I teach a program at MSI called “Live from the Heart.” We livestream an open-heart surgery being performed at a local hospital. Students from all over the country can watch this surgery live and talk with the entire surgical team throughout the procedure. The students can ask the surgeon, anesthesiologist or the perfusionist (operator of the heart-lung machine) about their role in the operating room — all while watching this world-class teamwork on a heart.

What are you proudest of?

I’m leading the charge in accessibility and inclusion in education. I believe meaningful science engagement should be accessible to learners of all abilities. I’m passionate about making museums welcoming for everyone, being a fierce advocate for my brother, who has disabilities. I’m proud that I have helped in some small part, within my sphere of influence, to break down systematic barriers of oppression that prevent all people from feeling welcome in museums.

What advice would you give new graduates?

“Be a “yes” person. Take every single job, every opportunity, every connection you can. I said yes to new jobs, responsibilities and challenges and also to late nights, long commutes and changing uniforms in Ubers in between jobs. It has all been worth it.

What has your work life taught you?

Radical empathy. This job and this workplace have exposed me to such diversity, and I think of the museum as a microcosm. I truly believe that the way we move forward and get better is to practice radical empathy.

If you could do anything right now, what would you do?

I’d really love to be having pizza at The Bird.