Category: Alumni
Science educator
April 25, 2025 Written by Nya Wynn | Photos by Jeremy Wayman and courtesy of Julia Quinn
University of Delaware Class of 2022 alumna Julia Quinn’s journey from entomology and wildlife ecology student to membership assistant manager at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science is a testament to how a chance encounter can shape a career.
While a UD undergraduate student, Quinn’s path to the Wilmington museum began in 2022 at UD’s annual University of Delaware Ag Day, the College of Agriculture of Natural Resources’ signature community event.
“I walked by the museum’s table and met [Christina Zampini, UD alumna and assistant director of programs for the museum],” Quinn said. “She told me they had just reopened and were hiring. I applied, got the job. Two years later, I returned to Ag Day, but as an educator representing the museum.”
At Ag Day 2024, Quinn ran an exhibit educating event-goers about local flora and fauna with various displays and interactive exhibits that captivated attendees of all ages. Reflecting on the experience, she shared how these hands-on encounters spark curiosity and wonder.
“We displayed fossils that are millions of years old, including a megalodon tooth and amber,” Quinn said. “We also had local animal specimens like red fox fur, beaver skulls and even a pufferfish in its defense form. It’s cool to see how excited people get when they learn something new.”
UD alumna Julia Quinn launches into career at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science: youtube.com/watch?v=x0RpvpCE53g
Quinn worked her way up from a part-time educator to her current position as membership assistant manager, which involves running the museum’s membership program while still engaging visitors on the floor.
“I run our membership program, but I also do a lot of education, interacting with guests, getting them excited about nature and science,” Quinn said.
According to the Blue Hen alumna, science education resonates with children more when they have an interactive experience. The museum transports visitors to various different ecosystems with hands-on displays, insect and bird noises playing over speakers and large scale models of plants and animals.
The museum also has a traveling exhibit ensuring that guests always have a new and exciting experience every time they visit. Their current traveling exhibit, open until May 11, explores the Permian geological period.
“Our Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs exhibit (open through May 11) shows organisms that existed 300 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs,” Quinn said. “We do guided tours for our members, crafts and activities and live animal demonstrations.”
As membership assistant manager, not only does Quinn educate and share her passion for science, she fosters long-term relationships with frequent guests and members of the museum.
“We’re a very friendly museum,” Quinn said. “It’s great to see familiar faces returning and to build relationships with our members. It’s really rewarding to introduce people to things they didn’t know before and watch them come back to the museum, eager to learn more.”
According to Halsey Spruance, former executive director of the museum and UD Class of 1986 alumnus, one of their missions is to bring attention to the nature and science that’s happening locally while also encouraging younger Delawareans to get involved.
“We want to highlight what’s happening in science locally, including partnerships with institutions like the University of Delaware,” Spruance said. “It’s about showing younger visitors pathways to careers in science and emphasizing diversity.”
Spruance explained that the newly-renovated space includes a “Research Headquarters,” which spotlights ongoing scientific research in Delaware. Projects happening at DuPont, the Nature Conservancy and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), UD, Delaware State and other universities are all featured.
The collaboration between the museum and the surrounding community played a crucial role in shaping Quinn’s career, but it also helps to inspire others who visit the museum and those who want to pursue a career in nature or science in the Delaware-area.
“I loved my time at UD,” Quinn said. “Even though I came from Pennsylvania, I stayed in Newark because of how much I enjoyed being here. The connections I made through events like Ag Day opened doors I didn’t even know existed.”
“Julia embodies everything we are looking for in team members here at the museum,” Spruance said. “Not only is she personable and engaging with visitors and members, she’s got a solid background in science and a great attitude. I’m pretty sure she’s going to run this museum someday.”
