Sophomore Alexandra Kroken Selected for Internship with Smithsonian National Museum of American History

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Alexandra Kroken

MACON – Mercer University sophomore Alexandra Kroken was selected to participate in an internship with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (NMAH) in Washington, D.C., this spring.

Kroken is interning in the museum’s Draper Spark!Lab, an interactive space for children and families to explore the history and process of invention. Spark!Lab is part of the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation.

During her internship, Kroken will gain an understanding of the methods and practice of museum education by facilitating inquiry-based activities and learn a wide range of approaches to developing and evaluating programs for museum visitors.

She will have the opportunity to visit and learn about other education spaces across the Smithsonian, will be invited to participate in Lemelson Center team meetings, public programs, and other events, and will have opportunities to engage with fellow interns and staff of the Office of Audience Engagement and the National Museum of American History.

“This is such a great opportunity for me to further my education and start my career in the field of museum education,” Kroken said. “I want to learn as much as I possibly can over this next semester. I feel so thankful for all the people that have supported me throughout this process, and hopefully I can make them proud.”

Kroken, a history and communications double-major from Savannah, is a recipient of Mercer’s Presidential Scholarship and is involved with the University’s Student Admissions Team, Phi Alpha Theta history honor society, Mercer Educators in Action and Campus Scouts.

“My academic experiences at Mercer guided me toward my current career aspirations and led me to apply for this internship,” she said. “I have a great support system at Mercer; I am so grateful for the support I have from my professors, especially in the History Department. Mercer’s Center for Career and Professional Development and Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships also helped make this experience possible for me.”

“The History Department is proud of Alex and is certain that she will bring to her internship the same intelligence and strong work ethic that she brings to class every day,” said Dr. John Thomas Scott, professor and chair of history.

“Alex’s work at the Girl Scout First Headquarters museum has prepared her nicely for this Smithsonian experience,” added Dr. Robert Good, associate professor of history.

Kroken has spent four summers working at the museum in Savannah, leading tours and facilitating programs for Girl Scouts of all ages.