Antoine Rodier
Buc, France
Master of Business Administration
Sales & Business Development
University of New Brunswick, Saint John
What do you like most about your role at NBM?
“My role at the NBM is to assist the boutique digital marketing strategy. I like that I have been allowed to support the museum during Covid-19. I also like the fact that my work has a positive impact on the community.”
What are you happiest doing when you are not working?
“I like going to the movie theater. I must admit that the past few months have been difficult as everything was closed, but I am looking forward to the theater reopening and new movies coming out.”
What changes have you made in your life since Covid-19?
“Like many others, I had to adapt to the online routine due to Covid-19 restrictions, but I would not say that this has been the most significant change so far. Due to Covid-19, my family will not be able to see me graduate in October, and I probably will not be able to see them before a long time.”
Justys Wood
Saint John, New Brunswick
St. Thomas University
Bachelor of Arts
What do you like most about your role at NBM?
“Perhaps the most exciting part of my role at the New Brunswick Museum is being able to contribute to behind the scenes efforts that the public may not necessarily see. Such efforts include providing brief histories on artifacts as well as other research on lesser known topics, such as the No.2 Construction Battalion.”
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
“When I am not working, I participate in activities that may be considered relaxing or involve strategy or deep thinking. My favourite activities that keep me satisfied and happy are playing strategy games, writing stories, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Yes, I’m a bit of a nerd, I suppose.”
Has the pandemic changed how you see the future of museums?
“Yes, I think the pandemic will result in less patronage to museums because people may fear catching the virus and not want to visit their local museum for public safety. This is understandable, none of us want to get sick, but I fear that museums may lose money as a result. Of all of our federal and provincial institutions/ organizations, museums are one of the most important ones. Museums provide an education of sorts by teaching the public about the past and encouraging them to look deeper into a history that interests them.”
Olivia King
Ottawa, Ontario
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
M.Sc. Paleontology, Palynology
What do you like most about your role at NBM?
“I’m very fortunate that my job is dominated by field work even amidst the pandemic. Field work in paleontology is about not just finding fossils its about putting them in the broader context; the ecology and environment that it was found in. What I like most is rediscovering what the world looked like millions of years ago, using the fossils and rocks as puzzle pieces to the past.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
I’m happiest when I’m cooking or baking. I like trying different recipes, putting my own spin on things! It’s a great creative release. Usually everything turns out edible.
What changes have you made in your life since Covid-19?
Working from home has become a new normal. I’ve set up a microscope and I have additional equipment that I wouldn’t normally have at home. It’s been an adjustment but offset with fieldwork has provided a good ‘new’ balance to my work.
Will Barry
Rothesay, New Brunswick
McGill
Bachelor of Arts: English Cultural Studies & Political Science
What have you learned on the job that has made a difference to you?
“People genuinely want to both learn new things and share their knowledge. Once we get beyond “Hello/ Bonjour” I find that history is one of the best ways to understand others – people want to relate their family heirloom or beach pictures to what’s in the museum.”
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
“I love storytelling in all forms. Films, books, art, news, music – I love to surround myself in the creations of others. When similarities manifest across discordant stories, it can be just as exciting as finding an idea that is entirely new to me.”
Has the pandemic changed how you see the future of museums?
“Humans haven’t changed all that much in 10 000 years, and museums can immerse us in that truth. We’ve learned these lessons before, and as we’re all socially distant, we can connect with real people that are temporally distant. I love how museums let us discover ourselves over and over.”
Emily Kingston
Saint John, New Brunswick
University of New Brunswick, Fredericton
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
What do you like most about your role at NBM?
“I have learned so much through my role at the NBM, and I love that I get to continue learning every day at work. I have enjoyed conversations with visitors and having the opportunity to practice speaking French as well. Overall, it has been a very rewarding experience.”
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
“When the weather is nice, I like to be outside and bike, walk, run, or just hang out in my backyard. Oddly enough, I also really like mowing my lawn! Other than that, I like to explore Uptown Saint John, listen to podcasts, or just relax at home.”
What changes have you made in your life since Covid-19?
“The important change I have made in my life is never leaving the house without my community face mask! Aside from that, during the pandemic I have learned the importance of physical activity to help reduce stress. I have also gotten really into plants. Luckily, none of my plants have died (so far).”
Tyler Higgs
Saint John, New Brunswick
University of New Brunswick, Saint John
Business Administration
What have you learned on the job that has made a difference to you?
“I really enjoy having the ability to learn about so many different subjects and to be able to discuss them with people from across the world.”
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
“When I’m not working I am happiest spending time with friends and family.”
What changes have you made in your life since Covid-19?
“COVID-19 has caused me to change many of shopping habits. I rarely go to stores anymore and will try to only go out once a week if needed.”
Shaylee Trail
Saint John, New Brunswick
University of New Brunswick, Saint John
Nursing
What do you like most about your role at NBM?
“I love that I am constantly learning new information in a variety of topics and get to share that with the public.”
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
“I am happiest when reading a book outside or when travelling with friends and family.”
What changes have you made in your life since Covid-19?
“Since COVID- 19 I’ve spent more time baking, going for walks and hanging out with my family.”
Rémi Richard
Rothesay, New Brunswick
Université de Moncton, Moncton Campus
Bachelor of Science (Specialization in Physics)
What do you like most about your role at NBM?
“Answering People’s questions and furthering their interest in the exhibits.”
What is a cause you’re passionate about?
“I am passionate about electoral reform in all levels of government.”
Has the pandemic changed how you see the future of museums?
“Yes, museums of the country who found the cure will most likely have an exhibit related to the responsible scientists. Museums will most likely also include some items relating to the pandemic in the future.”
Grace McLean
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Queen’s University
Master of Art Conservation, Paper
What have you learned on the job that has made a difference to you?
“I have really appreciated Dee [Stubbs-Lee]’s willingness to have online meetings in lieu of the on-site internship that we had planned prior to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite not doing hands-on conservation work this summer, I have learned so much about the conservation field and resources that are available to me even from home!”
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
“When I’m not working I’m happiest visiting with my friends and family, watching movies, sewing, and going for walks.”
What changes have you made in your life since Covid-19?
“I recently started working again. Maintaining distance with co-workers, wearing more PPE, and protecting artifacts that I handle from my sanitized hands has been an adjustment, but one that came fairly easily. It is strange to be leaving the house every day after spending so much time at home though!”
Jessica Hinton
Northampton, New Brunswick
Fleming College
Museum Management & Curatorship
What have you learned on the job that has made a difference to you?
“While not an avid social media user myself, I’ve learned that I enjoy designing posts for the museum, especially those that help share meaningful stories about New Brunswick’s heritage with the public.”
What is a cause you are passionate about?
“I’m passionate about environmental sustainability and the responsibility of museums. I’m interested in the different ways museums can help spread awareness and become leaders of change reducing our dependence on single use plastics, preserving both our oceans and our heritage.”
Has the pandemic changed how you see the future of museums?
“Covid-19 has shown that museums need to become more accessible to the public. Success of museums in the future will depend on maintaining a strong digital presence to reach audiences beyond the walls of the museum and to stay connected with the communities they serve.”