2016 Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Archaeological and Museum Conservation Science at the Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute

2016 Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Archaeological and Museum Conservation Science at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute
Supported by NSF REU Sites Program
MCI is accepting applications for 2016, contingent on continued funding
Application deadline is February 25, 2016
The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute in conjunction with the NSF REU Sites Program is offering short-term opportunities for undergraduates to work on research projects with staff members of its technical studies and research group, contingent on continued funding.  The Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is the center for specialized technical collections research and conservation for all Smithsonian museums, collections, and research centers.  MCI combines state-of-the-art instrumentation and scientific techniques to provide technical research and characterization of objects.
Internships will take place during the summer.  Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a university program or scheduled to matriculate in the fall term following the internship.  Acceptable majors include, but are not limited to:  museum studies, art history, archaeology, paleontology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, ecology, earth science, chemical engineering, and materials science engineering.  Basic chemistry and mathematical coursework is preferred; laboratory experience is not required.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.  A stipend will be offered for a period of 10 weeks starting in late May or early June.
Projects will be supervised by one of the following staff members in their specific project area.  Applicants are strongly urged to contact potential advisors in advance of application.  Students are also welcomed to propose projects of their choosing contingent upon agreement of a staff member to advise the project.
Janet Douglas, Head of Technical Studies, 301-238-1238, douglja@si.edu
Materials, technology, and provenance studies of museum collections; technical and mineralogical studies of jades; characterization of artist’s painting materials and their degradation.
Christine France, Research Physical Scientist, 301-238-1261, francec@si.edu
Analyses of human and animal remains using stable isotope mass spectrometry to determine diet, provenance, demographics, and state of diagenetic alteration.
Gwenaelle Kavich, Physical Scientist, 301-238-1265, kavichgm@si.edu
Materials, technology, and provenance studies of museum collections; characterization of artist’s painting materials and their degradation.
Nicole Little, Physical Scientist, 301-238-1243, littlen@si.edu
Environmental studies of heavy metals using time of flight inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy to determine provenance, diet, and demographics; materials, technology, and provenance studies of museum collections
Odile Madden, Research Scientist, 301-238-1257, maddeno@si.edu
Analytical study of natural and synthetic polymeric materials in cultural heritage (including plastics) using Raman, FTIR, and/or XRF spectroscopies, visible light and scanning electron microscopy, and other techniques; analysis of bone and tooth diagenesis in natural settings and collections.

  1. Keats Webb, Digital Imaging Specialist, 301-238-1212, webbekeats@si.edu

Advanced imaging of heritage objects using 2D- and 3D-imaging techniques as well as optical imaging beyond the range of human vision.
Edward Vicenzi, Research Scientist, 301-238-1215, vicenzie@si.edu
Spectroscopic imaging of natural and manufactured materials; mineralogical studies of jades; materials, technology, and provenance studies of museum collections.
Applications must be made on line at https://solaa.si.edu.  Selected candidates will be interviewed by telephone, although MCI visits are welcome.  Notifications will be sent by April 15.