From
Acting to Exhibitions
Dr.
Jesse Shore
Powerhouse Museum, Australia
Not
all scientists are stuck in the laboratories.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
At the young age of 12, Dr. Shore made a statement that would
guide many of his decisions in life: “I want to be a scientist.”
Although he did not really understand what a scientist exactly
did, he found his older cousin’s algebra homework quite interesting
and went on to enjoy and excel in science subjects at school.
EDUCATION
Dr. Shore completed a science degree and a PhD in geology
before becoming a Research Fellow at the Australian National
University (ANU). He had finally achieved his childhood dream
of becoming a scientist. But then, what next?
CAREER PATH
After completing his contract with ANU, Dr. Shore managed
a theatre company, where he also acted, in Canberra. The change
in surroundings helped him to realise that he wanted a career
in science but not as a laboratory scientist. What he found
was something quite appropriate, which also enabled him to
work in Sydney. The Powerhouse Museum project was looking
for an education officer with a science degree to help with
its construction. He got the job and, as they say, the rest
is history.
Now as one of the senior science and technology curators at
the Powerhouse
Museum, Dr. Shore is involved in developing exhibitions
to communicate science to the public. He is what we call a
‘science communicator’. Besides developing exhibitions, his
diverse job has him developing science demonstrations, seeking
sponsorship, writing proposals, developing policies and acquiring
objects for the museum.
WORKING AT THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM
So how is an exhibition created? Like all wonderful things,
it begins with an idea followed by research. But the exhibition
process includes consultation, constant revision, a written
detailed content brief and then input and transformation by
many others to create the finished product.
For example, while on a tour of the nuclear generator in Lucas
Heights, Dr. Shore thought it would be a good idea to have
an exhibition on nuclear science. He approached ANSTO
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation)
and asked if they would be interested in sponsoring it. Happily,
negotiations led to an agreement. He then began to work on
it, looking for objects to put on display and working with
exhibition, graphic and interactive designers, photographers
and others, to develop each aspect of the exhibition.
So what was the end product? Well, you will just have to go
and see it!
Reporter: Melinda Wong |
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