Student to share knowledge gained from Smithsonian internship
Museum visits are common among students on summer break, but for University of Akron arts administration graduate student Rebecca Wehr, her daily trips to the Smithsonian are more than just fun. Wehr is spending the summer in Washington, D.C., participating in the Smithsonian Affiliations Intern Partnership Program until mid-August, an opportunity made possible by UA's Center for the History of Psychology (CHP).
Seen here with Rebecca Wehr at the presentation of the 2012 Smithsonian Affiliations Intern Partnership award to her at the Affiliations National Conference Congressional Reception are, from left, David B. Baker, Margaret Clark Morgan executive director – Center for the History of Psychology; Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran; and Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough. Photo courtesy Smithsonian Affiliations
"As a member of the Smithsonian Affiliations we are able to provide exciting opportunities for our students to work and learn at one of the most important cultural institutions in the world," says Dr. David Baker, CHP's executive director. "We are proud of Rebecca's accomplishments and pleased that she is able to have this experience."
During her time interning at the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery, Wehr is building a website for the Smithsonian Artists Research Fellowship Program, which is being launched this month. This website will be a resource for nominators, adviser candidates and program fellows. While she is there, Wehr also is participating in the development of Digital Assets Management Plans for the Smithsonian's 19 museum units.
Post-internship, Wehr hopes to bring her new and improved skills back to UA, particularly in digital assets management.
"In the spirit of James Smithson, founder of the Smithsonian, I am increasing my knowledge and bringing it back for diffusion," says Wehr. "I hope that this experience will benefit not only me, but the students, faculty and constituents of the CHP."
Story by Marisha Daniels
Media contact: Sarah Lane, 330-972-7429 or slane@uakron.edu.