Jocelyn Knauf

Spark!Lab Floor Manager
National Museum of American History

Jocelyn Knauf is the Floor Manager of Spark!Lab, a dynamic hands-on invention space at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. She manages the day-to-day operations of Spark!Lab and its floor staff and volunteers. Jocelyn is particularly interested in how museums can engage critical thinking skills and inspire lifelong learning through activities such as visitor interaction and volunteer engagement.

Jocelyn earned a BA in International Studies and a BA in Anthropology from American University. She completed her Masters of Applied Anthropology and Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of Maryland. Before joining the Lemelson Center, Jocelyn coordinated the College Park Aviation Museum's education program. She has also taught college classes in anthropological method and theory, field archaeology, and material culture studies. Her archaeological research focused on shifting social relationships in late 19th and early 20th century America. She applies this strong background in social science research and evaluation to her work as a museum educator.

Presentation(s):

• The Spark!Lab National Network: Creating a Community of Practice

  Monday, May 7
  8:45 AM – 10:00 AM

• Flip It: Taking Volunteer Training Online

  Monday, May 7
  1:45 PM – 3:00 PM

• Prototyping to Promote Hands-On Learning: Examples from the Smithsonian’s National Museums of Natural History and American History

  Wednesday, May 9
  11:45 AM – 1:00 PM