AMMC Research Supervisor Nameiko Miller (right) with Darcie Macmahon, Director of Exhibits & Public Programs and in front of the Columbian Mammoth in the Main Gallery of the Florida Museum of Natural History.

For three weeks, Nameiko Miller, research department supervisor at the Antiquities, Museums and Monuments Corporation (AMMC), put her skills to work as an intern at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, Florida.

The comprehensive and interactive training took place on the campus of the University of Florida where the local researcher focused on museum structures, curating collections and managing research budgets. "The objective of this internship program was for me to gain practical museum training that would help to solidify my career goals," said Miller.

As the official state natural history museum, the program in Gainesville is one of the largest and fastest growing in the United States, with affiliated research sites throughout the world.

"Florida Museum of Natural History is one of the most impressive museum programs in the region. Many of their collections and research has focused specifically on The Bahamas and the Caribbean," said AMMC Director Dr. Keith Tinker.

"Partnering with them allows our staff to enhance their skills while showcasing the work that we are currently doing here in the country."

With the internship training under her belt, Miller is now taking the next step in her professional development. She recently relocated to Gainesville to pursue a masters in museum studies at the University of Florida.

Dr. Dave Steadman of Florida Museum explaining ornithology collection to AMMC Research Supervisor Nameiko Miller.

"By completing the graduate program in museum studies at the University of Florida, I will have a broad academic and professional training in all aspects of museum work," she explained. "I am especially interested in exhibitions -- their history, form and design. My primary objective upon my return will be to ensure the strength of our museums collections for the diffusion of knowledge."

Over the summer, she worked closely with Dr. Bill Keegan, chairman and curator of anthropology at the museum, taking full advantage of the opportunity to explore the Caribbean collection specifically aspects focused on The Bahamas.

"Dr. Keegan has done extensive archaeological work in The Bahamas beginning in 1978. The Caribbean collection is one of the largest systematic collections of pre-Columbian artifacts from the West Indies in North America."

Among the areas of focus for Miller during her advanced studies will be the processes of accession, collections documentation, research and information dissemination through exhibitions, publications, lectures, public programming and public addresses.

AMMC Research Supervisor Nameiko Miller touring museum with Assistant Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Paul Ramey.

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