Research and Evaluation Intern (Academic Year 2026-27)

The Museum seeks a qualified candidate to support the Research & Evaluation Department’s active research program to understand audience preferences, the effectiveness of exhibits, and the success of educational programs. The Intern will assist with evaluation studies of exhibits, in particular the updated All Aboard, and a study focused on the role of chaperones in supporting students during field trips:   

• All Aboard, featuring the Ruben-Wells engine and a historic toolcar, will reopen in September 2026 after a 14-month closure. The new exhibit and its interactives are designed to engage children ages 3 to 6 and their families. Evaluation will span the length of the internship and focus on the usability of interactives, engagement with the sound and light show, and families’ impressions of the exhibit. Susan Foutz is the evaluation project manager for All Aboard.


• During the 2024-2025 school year, nearly 75,000 students, teachers, and chaperones visited the Museum. While students attend workshop-style programs with their whole classroom, most of their time is spent in small groups with chaperones. The School Services department is conducting a series of studies starting in 2026 to learn more about the role chaperones play in these visits and how they can be better supported by Museum staff. Becky Wolfe, Director of School Services and Educational Resources, is the project manager for these studies.

Research and Evaluation staff and the Intern will identify aspects of the evaluation projects that will best serve the professional development interests of the Intern. Additionally, the intern will attend professional development sessions hosted by the Museum’s Intern Manager, monthly meetings of the interdepartmental Research & Evaluation Working Group, and regularly scheduled meetings of the interdepartmental team(s) responsible for planning and implementing the Intern’s assigned projects.

Internship Duties May Include:

• Data collection includes, but is not limited to, observing visitor behavior, interviewing visitors, co-leading focus groups, intercepting visitors for onsite surveys, and telephone interviews.


• Correspondence with potential study participants and other museum staff.


• Entering data from paper observations or surveys and transcribing responses from interviews.


• Coding and analyzing data collected via observations, interviews, and surveys.


• Using Excel as a primary tool for data analysis.


• Analysis and presentation of findings from various studies in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner. Includes written reports and PowerPoint presentations.

Desired Knowledge/Experience:

• Enrollment in a graduate program with a concentration in Museum Studies, Education, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, or other relevant areas of study.


• Previous experience with social science research methods, including data collection and analysis.


• Ability to record information accurately.


• Ability to interact well with diverse audiences, effectively present information, and respond to questions.


• Comfort speaking in public and interacting with visitors of all ages.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions, either written or oral, as well as follow detailed instructions and execute tasks with precision.


• Interest in audience research and evaluation, exhibit/school programs/museum program development.


• Excellent time management skills, be a self-starter, and be self-directed.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


• Be able to complete all required aspects of the museum’s onboarding process, including but not limited to: a background check, orientation to the museum and its policies/procedures (2-3 days total), and occasional training on a variety of topics.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to input detailed data entries and view computer monitor.


• Must be able to stand/sit for up to one hour and concurrently take detailed notes.


• Must be able to listen to and transcribe recorded verbal field notes.


• Must be able to communicate effectively with museum visitors and observe interactions and conversations.