Distinguished Professor, Dr. Elee Wood, Director Museum Studies Program, IUPUI, 2-26-15
Elizabeth (Elee) Wood, M.Ed., Ph.D., is a practitioner and scholar in the field of informal and non-formal learning in museums and community settings. Her current research focuses on the role and meaning of objects in museums, learning and human development; the use of critical pedagogy in museum exhibitions and programming, and civic engagement practices of museums. She currently serves as the director of the museum studies program, School of Liberal Arts and in the urban education studies program, School of Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). There she teaches courses in museum education, museums and audiences, museum theatre, and object-based learning. She also serves as the editor of the journal Museums & Social Issues
As part of IUPUI’s commitment to civic engagement, Wood also serves as the Public Scholar of Museums, Families, and Learning in residence at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. In the role of public scholar, she works with practitioners to build capacity in evaluation practices, application of research, and advises on exhibition planning and program development. In addition to this work, she has consulted with numerous museums including Conner Prairie, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana Historical Society, and the Eiteljorg Museum of Native Americans and Southwestern Art. Dr. Wood is active in the museum field nationally and regularly presents at AAM and VSA.
Prior to joining the IUPUI faculty in 2005, she spent five years as director of the MN Youth Work Institute at the University of Minnesota and faculty in the Youth Development Leadership program. She spent six years at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul, MN creating unique learning environments and programs for children and families. She has worked with children and youth for over 15 years in a variety of non-formal learning settings. Dr. Wood has ten years experience directing youth theatre programs and is the author of five musical theatre play scripts for children.
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Elee Wood 