Student Advisory Board
The mission of the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) is to foster curiosity and a spirit of discovery in visitors of all ages, enhancing public understanding of and appreciation for the natural world, science, and human cultures. HMSC works with Harvard faculty, museum curators, and students, as well as with members of the extended Harvard community, to provide interdisciplinary exhibitions, events and lectures, and educational programs for students, teachers, and the general public.
Position description
Members of the HMSC Student Advisory Board partner with HMSC to create opportunities for Harvard students to engage with the museums outside of academic interests. It is a diverse group of students who think creatively about the role of museums in student life.
Initiatives during the year may include large student events at the museums, behind-the-scenes tours to broaden student understanding of museums, small events in partnership with other student groups, social media highlighting the museums, or additional ideas generated by the student board.
The HMSC student board meets every two weeks during the semester on Tuesday evenings. Select meetings will include time with a different faculty or staff member as well as a rich discussion about specific ways to increase student engagement with HMSC. The time commitment is approximately 15-20 hours per semester, including some time dedicated to deeper involvement in projects of interest.
Criteria for excellent HMSC Student Board members:
- Undergraduate student at Harvard College
- Enthusiasm for the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture and museums broadly
- Committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion and belonging
- Creative and engaged with student life at Harvard
- Proactive and reliable team member
- Represent a variety of concentrations and interests
Student Board members will:
- Serve as your House or Freshman Yard representative of the museum
- Explore and develop engaging museum activities
- Consider novel connections to the university community
- Participate in networking and thoughtful conversation
- Gain an insider perspective on Harvard museums
Application process:
Apply due by Monday, September 9. Send a simple resume and cover letter to Wendy Derjue-Holzer, wderjue@hmsc.harvard.edu, expressing your interest and one idea of how you think HMSC can support the Harvard College student experience. Your resume should include your concentration, expected graduation year, and house or first year dorm.