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Exhibit development is a creative opportunity, and one that I thoroughly
enjoy. Over the years,I've worked with various organizations to
develop exhibit devices, gallery tours, and content. Then, in
2002, I was afforded the opportunity to work with the University of
Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to take the lead in
developing plans for an exhibit on human evolution. Entitled
"Being Human: A Design in Process," the exhibit (when funded)
will be the first fully interactive exhibit at the University Museum.
In addition to writing grant proposal to
support the project, I developed an RFP for design, researched and
helped to select the designer, managed the curatorial/design
brainstorming process, worked with the exhibit evaluator and marketing
consultant, wrote preliminary labels, and facilitated development of the
exhibit's conceptual framework.
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Evolution
of an Aching Back
Click here to see .PDF of label mock-up.
Every
year, more than 200,000 Americans have disabling back problems. To a
large degree, they can blame events in our evolutionary history for their
pain.
To walk upright, our upper body weight must be balanced over our strong
hip joint sockets. In part, the lower back (lumbar) curve
makes this possible. The lumbar curve is unique to humans, and
allows us to walk, run, and work on two legs. At the same time,
though, it also places enormous stress on our lower backs.
To Do: Push down on the spine and watch what happens to the
jelly-like material (intervertebral discs) between the bones (vertebrae).
Certain types of pressure on the lumbar curve can squeeze this material
out from between the bones, pinching nerves and causing excruciating pain.
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