Prof. Emily Clark
Lecturer in Museum Studies
Education
M.A. Museum Studies, Baylor University
B.S. Biology, Baylor University
Academic and Professional Interests
Emily Clark is a lecturer of museum studies. Prof. Clark’s professional career has focused on informal science learning, family learning, making and tinkering, and the museum field’s approaches to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Prof. Clark worked previously at the Mayborn Museum, a major partner to the Department of Museum Studies. She developed and opened the Mayborn’s making and tinkering space, Design Den before moving into a management role overseeing the Museum Engagement team.
Prof. Clark has worked with making and tinkering organizations like Maker Ed, Makey Makey, and with other museum makerspaces at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Thinkery, and Children’s Museum of Houston. Prof. Clark has served as Secretary on the Executive Board for the Informal Science Education Association of Texas (ISEA) and has served on the programming committee for the Texas Association of Museums (TAM) annual conference. Her teaching goal is to foster in students an understanding and appreciation of the museum’s role in society, hoping to create lifelong learners who either work in museums or are museum members, volunteers, and/or board members.
Emily especially loves to work with early learners, including her own early learner, four-year-old Thomas!
What is your favorite museum?
“My favorite museum (of the moment) is the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum strikes a balance in the stories presented, sharing complex histories of slavery, racism, and colonization along with a celebratory look at the influence of African American culture in dance, music, theater, movies, sports, and more. The exhibit design, the digital interactives, and the architecture of the building itself all feel extremely considered and left me feeling captivated. My favorite object: the P Funk mothership!
I also must share, in keeping with my interest in informal science, that I follow the Exploratorium and The Tinkering Studio on every social platform. I am constantly inspired by their work!”
Primary Courses Taught
- Introduction to Museums (U)
- Museum Education (G)
- Museum Professions (U)