Programs & Experiences
Transforming Science Into Engaging Public Experiences
Managed the development and installation of public-facing exhibits at UC Davis to create engaging experiences that showcase the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences research, academic programs, and scientific achievements.
Installed a T. rex cast fossil in the lobby of the Earth and Physical Sciences building as part of a larger fossil display project.
About
Project Overview
Managed the end-to-end delivery of three installations for the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis, overseeing the project lifecycle from concept development through execution. Coordinated cross-functional teams and resources to create engaging, visually compelling displays that supported student recruitment and showcased the university’s research and academic programs.
By the Numbers
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$20K project budget across three exhibit installations
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$5K under budget at project completion
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12-month fixed project timeline
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10-person cross-departmental team spanning Facilities, Supply Chain Management, Paleontology, Mathematics & Science Teaching, and Planetary Sciences
Installed sabertooth fossil in display case within the lobby of the Earth and Physical Sciences building as part of a larger fossil display project.
Installed sabertooth fossil in display case within the lobby of the Earth and Physical Sciences building as part of a larger fossil display project.
Deliverables
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Fossil Display – Led the planning and installation of a public-facing fossil exhibit, coordinating specimen selection, display case procurement, location planning, and secure installation of a T-Rex head and saber-tooth fossil.
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Crochet Exhibit – Managed the planning, design, and installation of 50 crochet marine-life pieces suspended throughout the building atrium.
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Acrylic Posters – Coordinated photo selection, production, and installation of four 4 × 6-foot acrylic research posters in the atrium and three additional pieces in the lobby to showcase the university’s scientific achievements.
Installed acrylic posters within the hallway of the Earth and Physical Sciences building as part of a larger acrylic display project.
Installed acrylic posters within the hallway of the Earth and Physical Sciences building as part of a larger acrylic display project.
Project Workflow
1.
Fossil Display
Project Overview
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Led project to showcase department fossils during a campus-wide annual event
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Developed timeline to ensure fossils were accessible to the public
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Coordinated with teams to ensure seamless project execution and timely delivery
Planning & Evaluation
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Assessed purpose of fossil casts for public display
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Identified suitable locations based on fossil size, space, and security needs
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Researched and estimated display case material and installation costs
Final Execution
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Finalized location selection for fossil displays based on visibility and foot traffic
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Managed the installation of a T-rex fossil on the wall and a sabertooth fossil in the display case
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Led facilities team to ensure secure and effective mounting of fossils
2.
Crochet Exhibit
Project Overview
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Led installation of a crochet exhibit featuring 50 marine life pieces created by university students
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Worked to update the atrium display, replacing 15-year-old paper cranes in order to better showcase current department research
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Coordinated with teams to ensure accessibility for public visitors during the annual campus-wide event
Planning & Evaluation
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Evaluated the purpose and placement of previous display (paper cranes) for relevance and modern appeal
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Determined the atrium’s suitability for modern marine life crochet pieces, while considering the implications of separating it from the collective prehistoric-era marine life displays
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Assessed space for design, environmental safety, and visual impact for optimal public engagement and visibility
Final Execution
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Removed outdated paper cranes and sourced materials (fishing wire) for new display setup
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Directed visual placement and coordinated with students and faculty to securely hang crochet pieces across atrium
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Ensured accessibility and safety, allowing for a smooth, engaging experience for campus visitors
3.
Acrylic Posters
Project Overview
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Led the update of the atrium’s portrait and first-floor hallway tile images to better showcase the department’s research
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Collaborated with department Chair and faculty to select and finalize research-focused images for display
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Managed vendor selection, project approval, and installation process
Planning & Evaluation
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Reached out to department faculty for image proposals across various research areas (paleontology, planetary science, marine life, geochemistry, etc.)
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Collected and reviewed photo samples to select the most impactful representations of research
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Finalized selection of images: Mars, Iceland glacier, volcano, keichosaurus fossil, lab sample, simulation, and satellite image of Northern California
Vendor Evaluation & Budget Management
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Evaluated and presented the project to multiple vendors via calls and onsite walk-throughs for measurements and installation planning
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Worked within budget constraints to secure a vendor quote and gain approval from department Chair
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Finalized image files and forwarded them to the vendor for production and installation
Earth and Physical Sciences Building Installation
Before
A large, outdated map and paper crane installations that had remained on display for more than a decade in the main hall of the Earth and Physical Sciences building.
After
Updated installation of nine high-resolution acrylic posters showcasing faculty and doctoral student research, alongside marine crochet displays depicting kelp forests and Cambrian sea creatures created by graduate students.