May

Smithsonian Staff Learning Series: What’s coming up in May

Welcome to the Smithsonian Staff Learning Series. Created and hosted by Adam Rozan, director of programs and audience development at the National Museum of American History, this lecture series features leaders in the arts, sciences, business, and media who offer insights into the latest research, cultural, and lifestyle trends to help us better engage our audiences, wherever they may be.

Check the archives for past topics and watch out for announcements of upcoming talks. We hope you’ll join the conversation.

Smithsonian Staff Learning Series promo slide

Tuesday, May 2, 2:00 p.m.
The Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

Join us May 2 at 2 p.m. EST for a talk from Patricia Ratulangi, who will share insights from Nielsen on the Asian American Pacific Islander community based on Nielsen’s ongoing research and reports.

Join Zoom meeting:

Link:
https://smithsonian.zoom.us/j/85603917104?pwd=cVp4WTJvekg1LzRMS2NpajdqK3Y5Zz09

Meeting ID: 856 0391 7104

Passcode: 815765

About the speaker:

Patricia Ratulangi is the VP of Global Communications, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She oversees Nielsen’s internal and external communications focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Learn more about Nielsen’s AAPI work here: https://www.nielsen.com/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/asian-american/

Wednesday, May 3, 2:00 p.m.
Early Childhood Education

Steve Barnett and Allison Friedman-Krauss will provide an introduction to the early childhood policy landscape and new exciting new research with implications for those developing and providing programs for young children. Critical questions addressed include: Who goes to preschool? What do they get? Why does it matter? How does this vary across the country? What trends will shape the future?

Join Zoom Meeting:

Link: https://smithsonian.zoom.us/j/87955413720?pwd=YTVrUEs2eXRlMWVVc1p5VmNEYjFwUT09

Meeting ID: 879 5541 3720

Passcode: 391545

About the Speakers:

Steve Barnett is a Board of Governors Distinguished Professor and Senior Co-Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. His research includes studies of the economics of early care and education including costs and benefits, the long-term effects of preschool programs on children’s learning and development, and the distribution of educational opportunities. Dr. Barnett earned his Ph.D. in economics at the University of Michigan. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 publications.

Allison Friedman-Krauss is an Assistant Research Professor at NIEER and leads NIEER’s policy team. Her research focuses on (1) early care and education policy, (2) child development within the context of ECE policies and programs, (3) early care and education quality, and (4) the ECE workforce. Dr. Friedman-Krauss received her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at NYU.

May 11, 2:00 p.m.
Portrait of LGBTQ+ Travelers in America

Ashley Adams, a Research Account Manager of MMGY Travel, will discuss Portrait of LGBTQ+ Travelers in America. This two-part study conducted by MMGY Travel Intelligence is part of a series of studies to identify better relevant and important issues for transient and group travel segments such as LGBTQ+ travelers. Each of these studies partners with a nonprofit benefactor who receives all report sale proceeds, in this case, a national non-profit organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ leadership called Brave Trails.

Portrait of LGBTQ+ Travelers in America focuses first on the past travel experience, utilizing our DK Shifflet syndicated data to see where these travelers have gone. The second phase uses a custom survey that focuses on future travel, travel motivations, and barriers.

Join Zoom Meeting

Zoom Link: https://smithsonian.zoom.us/j/81927656850?pwd=ZVRlSWJBYzFxQjdKUkRJT1hXK2RzUT09

Meeting ID: 819 2765 6850

Passcode: 962602

About the Speaker:

Ashley Adams began her journey into tourism research at MMGY Travel Intelligence in 2021 after spending the better part of the decade immersed in academia. After earning bachelor’s degrees in geology and anthropology, a master’s in geology, and finally a Ph.D. in environmental science, she was looking for another challenge outside of the academic sphere. After discovering an opening for a Research Analyst at MMGY, she was intrigued due to her love of research and all forms of travel. Ashley was fascinated by the possibility of learning how and why people travel, and finding ways to apply this knowledge. In additional to research, MMGY’s commitment to its values made it a great fit. Since starting with MMGY Travel Intelligence she has been promoted to Research Account Manager, where she manages and oversees projects from initial survey development to report preparation and presentation. The Portrait of LGBTQ+ in America is particularly close to her heart, as she is a member of the community and was excited to take the study under her wing.

Of course not everything is travel research! While working on her master’s degree and Ph.D., Ashley worked on multiple fossil digsites uncovering the remains of a number of dinosaurs, crocodiles, and other extinct animals. She is looking forward to getting married to her fiancée Diane in June of this year, and when she is not busy planning major life events, enjoys drawing and playing D&D.