The 10 fellows of the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC) Class of 2027 each possess a distinctive set of qualities that have drawn them to the field of conservation. With passions ranging from community engagement and sustainability to treatment and analytical techniques, the fellows are eager to build on their skills at WUDPAC and help shape the constantly evolving field of cultural heritage preservation. 

The incoming fellows have helped care for collections in 46 different institutions, including museums, cultural centers, libraries, archives, and private practices. Through these opportunities, they have treated a myriad of objects including the archive of photographer James Van Der Zee, a gavial taxidermy mount from 1890, medieval manuscripts, and a dress worn by actress Grace Kelly.  They have delved into materials research utilizing a variety of analytical techniques, such as identifying harmful materials using the Oddy Test and pyrolysis GC-MS, as well as utilizing optical profilometry to analyze the efficacy of polishing products on plastics used in modern sculpture. Additionally, they demonstrate proficiency in numerous spectroscopic techniques.

They are active in other areas of cultural heritage research as well, having conducted a cultural survey of institutional policies regarding human remains in collections, and field research on preventive conservation methods used by contemporary mobile pastoralist households. They have participated in cross-professional collaboration in integrated pest management, environmental monitoring, preventive conservation, exhibition planning, installation, and collections care management.

The fellows strive to contribute to the field through community engagement and public outreach. They hold active membership in professional conservation and cultural heritage preservation organizations across the country and internationally. They are passionate about cultural stewardship and hope to continue building connections between conservation and the communities they serve throughout their time at WUDPAC and their careers.

The fellows enter the field of conservation with diverse backgrounds and experiences that have shaped their individual career goals and informed their perspectives on material culture and community. They remain avid makers in an array of artistic and craft techniques and can be found enjoying a variety of hobbies when outside the lab.

The 2027 fellows are excited to bolster their conservation education under the guidance of the WUDPAC faculty, extended professional network, and look forward to continuing their growth as conscientious stewards of cultural heritage.