The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) is offering short-term opportunities for undergraduates to work on research projects with staff members of its technical studies and research group. 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 are intended mainly for summer 2018, but consideration will be given to projects at other times of the year. Acceptable majors include, but are not limited to: museum studies, conservation studies, art history, anthropology, archaeology, paleontology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, ecology, earth sciences, chemical engineering, and materials science engineering. Basic courses in chemistry and math are preferred; lab experience is not required. A stipend will be offered for a period of 10 weeks.
Applicants should contact potential advisors in advance of application and should specify preferred advisors in their application. Applications must be made on line at https://solaa.si.edu – apply for the Museum Conservation Institute Analytical Studies Intern Program. Those interested in working under the supervision of conservators at MCI may apply separately through SOLAA for a different MCI internship: Museum Conservation Internship Program. Application deadline is February 25, 2018. Selected candidates will be interviewed by telephone, although MCI visits are welcome. Projects will be supervised by one of the following staff members:
Elena Charola, Research Scientist, 301-238-1213, charolaa@si.edu – Deterioration and conservation of stone and other inorganic materials.
Timothy Cleland, Physical Scientist, 301-238-1208, clelandtp@si.edu – Characterization and quantification of proteinaceous material in bone, tissue, and other museum collections.
Christine France, Research Physical Scientist, 301-238-1261, francec@si.edu – Analyses of human and animal remains using stable isotope mass spectrometry.
Gwénaëlle Kavich, Conservation Scientist, 301-238-1265, kavichgm@si.edu – Analyses of organic and inorganic materials in cultural heritage using py-GC-MS, FTIR, Raman, and XRF.
Thomas Lam, Physical Scientist, 301-238-1232, lamt@si.edu – Materials characterization of cultural heritage using SEM, cathodoluminescence, XRF, and microfadometry.
Nicole Little, Physical Scientist, 301-238-1243, littlen@si.edu – Provenance studies of museum objects and analysis of biologic remains using ICP-MS, XRD, and SEM.
Asher Newsome, Physical Scientist, 301-238-1223, newsomeg@si.edu – Biomolecular and ambient mass spectrometry of surfaces, coatings, residues, ink, paint, metabolites, and chemical adulterants.
Caroline Solazzo, 301-238-1284, solazzoc@si.edu – Proteomics applications to cultural heritage; characterization and species identification of keratin-based tissues and artefacts; degradation of ancient proteins.
Keats Webb, Digital Imaging Specialist, 301-238-1212, webbekeats@si.edu – Advanced imaging of museum 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 – Determining the origin and history of natural and manufactured materials via spectroscopic imaging in the SEM, including micro XRF imaging and spectrometry.