Rosalyn Wade, Museum of Zoology, University of Cambridge’s Learning Officer, is joining us at GEM Conference 2019. We are excited to hear her at the member presentations on Thursday. Rosalyn, also known as @ZoologyRoz on Twitter, is our second Weekly Spotlight feature in anticipation of GEM Conference next month. Let’s get to know a bit more about her!

What are you most looking forward to at GEM Conference 2019?
“Hearing about the projects from other museums, galleries and heritage sites. It is really inspiring to see different approaches to heritage learning, discuss them, and think about how we can improve our practice and programming back at the museum.”

What is your favourite museum, gallery, or heritage site and why?
“This is a tough question as I love so many! One that has a particular place in my heart is back in my home town of Sheffield. Here, the development of the Millennium Galleries and Winter Garden have made such a difference to the city centre. I have always loved the crossover between art and science in the Ruskin collection there, and with a family history in the steel industry, I have a soft spot for the metalwork galleries.”

What is your best heritage education top tip?
“Listen to your audiences. What did they enjoy? What did they take away from their visit? What challenges did they face? What motivated them to visit? We find that it is often the kids bringing the rest of the family to our museum. When we are working in new areas we work with the schools and extend engagement through our Young Zoologists club, so families can be a part of the museum with the aim of breaking down the barrier that being part of the University of Cambridge can present to new audiences.”

Where can people find you at GEM Conference 2019?
“Members presentations on Thursday afternoon.”

Book now for GEM Conference 2019