Students

Learning Through Practice

Students are central to my work as a teacher, mentor, and researcher.

“I am deeply committed to helping students develop confidence, professional skills, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of purpose. My goal is not simply to prepare students for jobs, but to empower them to become thoughtful leaders, collaborators, and advocates within their chosen fields.” Juilee Decker, Ph.D., Program Director, RIT Museum Studies undergraduate degree program

I believe the most transformative learning occurs when students move beyond the classroom and participate directly in projects that engage real clients, cultural institutions, collections, technologies, and communities. Through research opportunities, exhibitions, grants, community partnerships, and laboratory work, students become active contributors to the production of knowledge rather than passive recipients of information.

Students in my programs have participated in cultural heritage imaging projects, exhibition development, collections research, public history initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations that connect the humanities with science and technology. Many have presented research at conferences, contributed to publications, collaborated with cultural institutions, and gained hands-on experience that prepares them for professional careers and graduate study.

Mentorship is among the most rewarding aspects of my work. And I am grateful for the opportunity to teach, and to learn together.