Laura Santoyo Email & Phone Number

Itasca, Illinois, United States

- Care for the Gartner Pediatric History Center collection, which includes Special Collections, an object collection (such as infant feeders), and the American Academy of Pediatrics Archive- Manage ArchivesSpace and Preservica- Work cooperatively with AAP departments to decide what material comes to the archive for long-term preservation- Digitize vital records for access and preservation- Complete research requests- Curate small-scale displays, sometimes collaborating with AAP committees, councils, sections, and departments

Chicago, Illinois, United States

● Managed and cared for a collection of 17,000+ prints and photographs● Wrote policies and procedures pertaining to the care and management of the collection● Managed all outgoing loans, coordinating domestic and international shipping● Trained and supervised a team of as many as 10 interns at a time on collections management projects● Processed acquisitions and expertly managed our collections database ● Monitored storage and exhibit environments, following procedures for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) when necessary and making recommendations to facility staff when adjustments to the HVAC system are required ● Performed routine inventories, tracking object locations and inspecting object conditions● Supervised the digitization of our collection for access and preservation purposes● Led a database migration project, from Mimsy XG to Gallery Systems (TMS), working with vendors on data clean-up and data mapping● Assisted the museum in preparing a successful IMLS grant for collections stewardship, leading to the digitization and proper housing of artwork and collections records

Aurora, Il

The Intro to Museum Studies course provides students with a basic understanding of museums. In the sections I teach, I emphasize the museum's ever-evolving role in the 21st century. Topics include the importance of DEAI in museums, decolonization (re-indigenizing), curating tragedy, and the museum as an agent for social change. The Museum Methods course teaches students the basics of collections care. When I took over this course, I updated the curriculum by adding hands-on projects such as: an Integrated Pest Management workshop, a disaster preparedness workshop, and a rehousing and mount-making assignment.In the Museum Exhibitions course, students are taught about the many facets of exhibit production, including conceptualization, planning, design, interpretation, themes, educational goals, implementation and project management with an emphasis on problem solving and creativity. For their final project, students curate their own exhibition.

Aurora, Il

● Direct and supervise team during exhibition installations to ensure proper object handling● Design graphics and didactics for exhibitions using InDesign, generate proofs, and install final products ● Schedule and track shipping for loans and travel exhibitions, working with insurance broker to ensure proper coverage● Train and supervise student workers and interns on collections management projects, including a rehousing project involving over 400 pieces of pottery ● Process gifts and loans and expertly manage PastPerfect database ● Monitor storage and exhibit environments, following procedures for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) when necessary and making recommendations to facility staff when adjustments to the HVAC system are required ● Perform routine inventories, tracking object locations and inspecting object conditions● Rehousing, including the fabrication of custom mounts for objects with unique storage and exhibition needs ● Identify and reconcile Found in Collection (FIC) objects ● Work closely with local organizations and university faculty to develop and assess projects based around the collection ● Directed and supervised a team of five in the planning and implementation of large-scale collections move ● Supervise long-term, large-scale digitization project and launch collection online

Eastern Illinois University

While at IRAD, I answered patron research requests and general inquiries. As part of an ongoing project, I cleaned and rehoused legal documents according to Illinois State Archive standards. I also created descriptive inventories and finding indexes in an effort to facilitate public access to the archives.

Aurora, Il

I sorted and filed materials, completed research requests, and maintained the collection. In addition to my day-to-day responsibilities, I curated exhibits using materials from the archive to increase public awareness of the archive's holdings.

Aurora, Il

Besides assisting with basic museum operations, like running the gift shop and giving tours, I also assisted in the care of the collections - working with textiles, paintings, baskets, and pottery. Often I was tasked with performing research for an upcoming exhibit, writing label copy, and assisting with installations. My last summer there, I was instrumental in packing the 4,000 object collection in preparation for the museum's move to a new facility, a process that required good teamwork and communication skills as well as great patience, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail.

Naperville, Il

As the inaugural Powell Intern at Naper Settlement, I was fortunate in that I had the opportunity to dabble in three different departments: collections, curatorial, and education. Not only did I assist in the cataloging of incoming objects, but I also helped clean and rehouse a collection of 19th century wedding gowns. On the education side, I observed the development of children's programs, and I frequently had the chance to shadow docents during tours, learning about living history interpretation along the way. Near the end of my 5-month internship, I was able to assist in the creation of a small-scale exhibit at an off-site venue. I selected the theme of the exhibit and the objects, working with the Chief Curator on the exhibit design. Audiences were challenged to determine what the objects were and how they were used in the past.

Master’S Degree, History With Historical Administration Option

The EIU history department introduced the Historical Administration option to its Master of Arts program in 1975. Since then it has been.

Bachelor'S Degree, History, Museum Studies, Sociology, American Culture And Ethnic Studies

Activities and Societies: Activities Programming Board, L.E.A.D., Phi Alpha Theta (National History Honor Society), Honors Program, Phi.