Thu, Jan 23, 2025
Jessie Durant
Welcoming the 2024/2025 Humanities EXCEL Fellows to the MAH
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is thrilled to welcome three Humanities EXCEL fellows to our Exhibitions & Programs team for the 2024/2025 academic year! With support from The Humanities Institute (THI) at UC Santa Cruz, this marks the third year of a successful partnership that connects undergraduate students with hands-on experience in the museum field.
Through this collaboration, EXCEL fellows dive into education, public programming, and archival initiatives at the MAH, bringing their fresh perspectives, hard work, and creativity to our institution. In return, they gain invaluable insights into museum operations, professional skill-building, and community engagement
“The Humanities EXCEL program connects undergraduate Humanities majors and minors to organizations in the community for paid internships. In this cohort program, EXCEL Fellows gain practical experience and professional training while learning about positions outside of the university that build on their studies in the humanities. At the same time, community partner organizations benefit from students’ assistance and academic expertise.” Undergraduate EXCEL Fellows
Bronwyn Eyre (she/they)
Hailing from Encinitas, California, Bronwyn is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UCSC studying Spanish and History, with a focus on the intersections of language and power throughout the colonial period. Outside of academics, they enjoy long walks with good friends, competitive trivia, puzzles, music, and a cool beverage (in no particular order.)
Leo Colleta (he/him)
Also from Encinitas, Leo is double majoring in History and Politics at UCSC. In his free time, he loves to read, run, and cook. As part of the MAH’s education team, Leo is eager to connect with students throughout Santa Cruz County and foster a love of learning.
Morgan Woodley (she/her)
Morgan is a third-year undergraduate majoring in History of Art and Visual Culture and minoring in History. Passionate about museum studies, she envisions museums as spaces of inclusion and innovation. In her downtime, Morgan enjoys reading, makeup artistry, video games, thrifting and sharing art with her community.
Reflections from the Fellows
Morgan: I'm most looking forward to working with the MAH team and refining skills I already have as well as developing other professional skills within a museum environment.
Bronwyn: I’m most looking forward to exploring the various specializations and leaders that help to cultivate and preserve community institutions like the MAH.
Leo: I am most looking forward towards working part of the team and becoming more of a member of the Santa Cruz Community.
Morgan: To me, this fellowship means being able to facilitate spaces for everyone to learn about and create art, and for myself to learn about the important roles and functions a museum plays in the community.
Bronwyn: To me, this opportunity means combining my learning interests and experience to give back to the community that helped me get to where I am today.
Leo: To me, this fellowship means a chance to gain experience in a field I’m passionate in and explore new opportunities.
When you see Bronwyn, Leo, or Morgan around the museum, don’t hesitate to say hello! To learn more about the MAH team and what we’re working on, visit our staff page.