My name is Nicole Aszalos and I have been part of the MOA team since May 2014. Although I am now the Curator, when I started my official job title was a curatorial intern, but as in any smaller institution, that takes on a broad meaning since I am diving into something new and exciting everyday. My first project was to redesign the interpretive panels of both the Lawson site and the permanent gallery in order to make them more accessible and engaging to the public. Currently I am standardizing MOA’s cataloguing database, creating digital records of the collection, rehousing archaeological artefacts, and conducting research.

During my interview, Joan told me about the changes in branding to the museum including the goals she wants the museum to achieve and I was instantly hooked. I felt that my experience working in both contemporary art galleries and historical museums would allow me to share unique concepts and ideas to help MOA evolve. My favorite part about working here is the staff. They are very dedicated, inspiring, and hardworking individuals and all full of good humor. Everyone loves being here which makes me love it too.

Since my background is in Classical Archaeology (Wilfrid Laurier) and my postgrad is Museum and Gallery Studies (Georgian), logically an internship at MOA combines the best of both worlds. I am thoroughly appreciative of the experience and the knowledge I am gaining here. MOA taught me more than I could have imagined, introduced me to some fascinating people, and shared with me an interest in North American archaeology. After I finish my internship, I plan on looking for a job in the heritage sector and hopefully pursue a Masters in the coming years.  If I could say one thing about MOA, it would be to come and experience what it has to offer! It’s a great atmosphere and I highly recommend experiencing the space and the people behind it.