MechaNickal Wonders
Crafting playful and interactive museum exhibits that inspire wonder and curiosity.
I started MechaNickal Wonders after nearly 12 years in the science museum field to share my passion for science communication and experiential design with a larger audience. I come to exhibit design honestly – I was always tinkering with stuff as a kid to take things apart and learn how they work, and keep that up to this day.
During my time at a small science museum, I served in a variety of roles – from traveling educator to interim co-director – and have an intuitive understanding of how the public engages with exhibits, how to meet project deadlines, and match deliverables to a budget. I specialize in creating simple working prototypes to solicit feedback from users on initial concepts that contribute to a robust and engaging final product. I understand that good design means audience-centered, collaborative design.
My Philosophy on Education and Play
I believe that play is an essential part of learning. My philosophy centers around the idea that children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. Through play, we create opportunities for exploration and discovery, allowing children to connect with the world around them. My exhibits are designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
- Innovative Designs: My exhibits are crafted to captivate and educate, blending creativity and science to create memorable experiences for children and families alike.
- Interactive Learning: I prioritize hands-on experiences that encourage guests to explore, experiment, and learn through play, making education fun and engaging.
- Tailored Solutions: Each project is customized to meet the unique needs of clients, ensuring that every exhibit resonates with its audience and fulfills educational goals.
- All the ‘bles: I strive to make each piece durable, repairable, reusable, sustainable, and accessible with a special focus on making pieces moveable for flexibility of use. Museum exhibits see heavy use from eager learners – I have fixed many exhibits over the years that did not stand up to this use, and know how frustrating that can be!
My Background and Skills
I grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota and spent my youth taking things apart, experimenting in the back yard and building random stuff out of things my brother and I would find in alleys. I graduated from Iowa State University with a BA in English Literature, a minor in philosophy, and a smattering of science and math classes.
I taught English in France for two years in two different locations, while running a recycling company by bicycle in between. I spent several more years as a full-time bike mechanic and part-time freelance writer for astronomy publications.
After moving to Montana in 2013, I spent nearly 12 years at the University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area building exhibits and programs, and running the Blue Mountain Observatory for the Physics and Astronomy Department. I love to ride bikes, 3D print things, make and look through telescopes, and read books. I’m an avid maker and tinkerer, and love sharing my ideas and designs with the world through Instructables.
To quote Adam Savage of Mythbusters fame, “I’m a serial skill collector”. There has never been a skill I’ve learned or a job I’ve had that I’ve regretted. I have proficiency or professional experience in the following:
- Exhibit design and development
- Bicycle repair and maintenance
- 3D printing
- CAD
- Laser cutting and engraving
- CNC
- Painting
- Carpentry
- Mains electrical
- Low-volt electrical
- Arduino and IDE programming
- Raspberry Pi
- Telescope optical design and production
- Educational activity development and design
- Teacher professional development workshops
- Science communication
- Educational outreach to youth and families