Portfolio
National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
My responsibilities included all species ID graphics, conservation messaging, and enrichment and care interpretation. For more than three years I was the sole exhibit writer, responsible for all interpretive content. I developed an all-new exhibit to bring a long-closed space back to life. I redeveloped the Panda House, leading the team to overhaul old content and create an engaging, updated space. I updated the interpretation in the Great Ape House and the Reptile Discovery Center and initiated the creation of an accessible exhibit space, receiving a grant to pilot the project. I also developed a community exhibit to bring Zoo content to children in a Washington, D.C. neighborhood.

National Portrait Gallery
As a project manager, I managed all aspects of producing major exhibitions. Highlights include American Cool, The Sweat of Their Face, Dark Fields of the Republic, and Elaine de Kooning: Portraits. In addition to scheduling, budgeting, and content review, I coordinated artwork loans, contracted with production vendors, and oversaw rights and reproductions for all image uses including marketing, press, and publications. I am particularly proud of my efforts to increase accessibility and my contributions to the gallery’s bilingual initiatives.

Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service
I developed and produced national traveling exhibitions such as the award-winning Earth from Space and its associated poster exhibit; Lasting Light: 125 Years of Grand Canyon Photography; NASA|Art: 50 Years of Exploration; Suited for Space; Beyond: Visions of Planetary Landscapes; and the digital exhibition Green Revolution, among others. I was responsible for conceptualizing exhibits, coordinating content, writing, and editorial oversight; developing and monitoring budgets; creating educational materials and host venue information packages; developing relationships with sponsors; and collaborating with contractors, lenders, and venues.

Bird portfolio 01
Species ID, National Zoo’s Amazonia. I wrote the text for all new species labels. I also managed the contract and collaboration with the illustrator.
Bird portfolio 05
Each aviary includes a flip book showcasing the “menu” of the birds in that habitat. Finding appropriate photos was time-consuming, but fun.
Bird portfolio 06
Graphics explain why Bird Friendly coffee is important. All the graphics in and around the Bird House are bilingual in Spanish and English.
Bird portfolio 07
Washington the Wood Thrush guides children through the Bird House in English and Spanish. This signpost is in the Coffee Farm aviary.
Bird portfolio 08
Washington the Wood Thrush guides children through the Zoo’s Bird House in English and Spanish. This signpost is in the Delaware Bay aviary.
Denver portfolio 01
In 2021 I helped the Denver Zoo develop and write content such as this welcome sign for their new African Penguin exhibit.
Denver portfolio 02
In 2021 I helped the Denver Zoo develop and write content such as this species ID for their new African Penguin exhibit.
Gibbon portfolio 01
We tested a variety of accessible features at Gibbon Ridge. In addition to braille text and tactile photos and illustrations, we incorporated actual enrichment objects. We also installed access tiles on the ground to alert visitors to graphic locations.
Gibbon portfolio 02
Braille text and tactile, or raised, photographs provide more access to Gibbon Ridge graphics. I inspected each panel before the team cleaned and installed them.
Gibbon portfolio 03
Braille text and tactile, or raised, photographs provide more access to Gibbon Ridge graphics (detail).
Gibbon portfolio 04
Panel section for the AV component of the accessibility pilot project I developed for Gibbon Ridge
Gibbon portfolio 06
When I received a grant from the Smithsonian’s Access Office to pilot an accessible exhibit at the Zoo, I chose Gibbon Ridge. I knew we had to find a variety of ways to share the incredible calls gibbons make with as many visitors as possible. One feature we tried was a tactile (raised) spectogram.
Panda portfolio 01
I incorporated new conservation messaging in the species ID graphics. At right, Mei Xiang enjoys a honey crate that kept her happily occupied and undisturbed during the exhibit installation. National Zoo’s Panda House, 2018
Panda portfolio 02
National Zoo’s Panda House. Removing the blank, weathered, and peeling panels and installing the new, using bright colors and interpretation to engage visitors.
Panda portfolio 03
National Zoo’s Panda House during installation in 2018. We removed the faded yellow panels (center) and installed interpretation to explain on-site research (left and right).
Panda portfolio 05
National Zoo’s Panda House. For many years, this wall had no interpretation at all. We installed the new panels in 2018.
Panda portfolio 08
The Panda House maze, helping pandas safely navigate through healthy bamboo forests
Traveling portfolio 01b
Installing Suited for Space objects in a case prior to the start of the exhibition’s tour.
Traveling portfolio 02a
NASA | Art: 50 Years of Exploration opens at the Art League of Bonita Springs.
Traveling portfolio 02b
NASA | Art: 50 Years of Exploration opens at the Art League of Bonita Springs.