Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Susan Lafferty is an experienced Project Manager with a diverse background in museum education and STEM program development. She specializes in leading complex projects, driving stakeholder engagement, and delivering impactful educational initiatives within the cultural and scientific sectors.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Project Manager at the California Surf Museum since 2020, Susan is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the museum's exhibition and program development. She collaborates closely with the curatorial team to design engaging displays and interactive experiences that celebrate the history and culture of surfing. Susan's strong project management skills, coupled with her passion for education, have enabled her to successfully deliver a series of well-received exhibitions that have attracted increased visitor interest and community involvement.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Susan held several esteemed positions in the museum and education field. She served as the Director of Education at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, where she led the development and implementation of innovative STEM-based programs that inspired students and the general public to explore the wonders of marine science.

Susan also held the role of Interim Programs Manager and Lead STEM Educator at the Autry Museum of the American West, where she designed and facilitated hands-on educational workshops that connected visitors with the cultural and historical significance of the American West.

Earlier in her career, Susan worked as a Field Reviewer for NASA, evaluating educational grant proposals and providing valuable feedback to strengthen the organization's outreach efforts.

Academic Background

Susan holds a Master's degree in Museum Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a specialization in educational programming and community engagement.

Areas of Expertise

• Project management and strategic planning

• Developing and implementing educational programs and exhibitions

• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building

• STEM education and hands-on learning experiences

• Museum operations and visitor experience enhancement

Professional Impact

During her tenure at the Birch Aquarium, Susan led the development of a highly successful marine science education program that reached over 50,000 students annually. She also spearheaded the creation of a new docent training program that significantly improved the quality of visitor interactions and increased overall guest satisfaction.

At the Autry Museum, Susan's innovative STEM workshops were instrumental in attracting a more diverse audience and fostering a greater appreciation for the cultural heritage of the American West.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience in museum education, project management, and STEM program development, Susan Lafferty is a versatile and talented professional poised to make a significant impact in her current role at the California Surf Museum. Her passion for engaging the community and her proven track record of delivering successful educational initiatives make her a valuable asset to the cultural and scientific sectors.