Intern Spotlight: Katherine Woolley

I've had the pleasure of working alongside many superb collections volunteers over the past eight years at the Museum. Each contribute invaluable insight and energy into our work. This week, we'll learn a bit more about Katherine Woolley, a Northwoods enthusiast since moving up to the big lake several years ago to attend Northland College. Katherine returns back to the Northwoods this summer as a Summer Naturalist Intern. 

Katherine Woolly is an enthusiastic member of our team through August.

In your own words, tell us about your role at CNHM, any past museum experiences, and what you’re excited about working with or learning in the collection. 

I am one of the Summer Naturalist Interns here at the Cable Natural History Museum and my main role is to plan, prepare and facilitate the Junior Naturalists program three days a week. The time in between I help out wherever I am needed or assist with other programming. I have also had the pleasure to write and publish two Natural Connections articles! I am super excited to learn about collection upkeep and the process of adding to and updating our collections here at the Museum!

Can you describe a favorite museum specimen, display, or exhibit? It doesn’t have to be from CNHM!

My favorite exhibit of all time is the underwater dome in the Seattle Aquarium. It is a huge glass dome that looks into a tank full of tall, swaying kelp, sparkling silver fish, and starfish that sometimes hang onto the walls and ceiling. I loved sitting quietly by one of the sides and pretending I was sitting at the bottom of the Puget Sound, swaying with the kelp and watching the fish dart around. I used to like going there during the different seasons to see how the tank and its inhabitants would change in appearance and behavior. If you are ever in Seattle, I would highly recommend going to the underwater dome and the rest of the Aquarium!

What are some of your hobbies/interest related to the natural world? What would you like to learn or what new skills would you like to develop?

I am at my happiest when I am outside. I love to hike, paddleboard, camp, backpack, and just sit quietly and observe. I also love to identify plants and insects, so if you hike with me, be prepared to stop every 30 seconds to check someone out. There are so many skills I would love to develop, but some recent skills I have picked up are nature photography and insect pinning. Expanding my skills in both of these areas is something I have been working on over the summer here at the Museum!

One topic that visitors should bring up to spur a lengthy conversation with you?

Asking me anything remotely nature related more often than not will get me chatting for ages. It's definitely guaranteed if you ask me about dragonflies. I love dragonflies and could talk your ear off about their life cycle, adaptations, and their skills as hunters. I was super excited to learn that the Cable Natural History Museum's mascot is a dragonfly! This summer, I have been out observing forked fungus beetles. I would jump at the chance to tell you all about what I have been seeing and show you some photos and videos of their egg laying process - something that excites me greatly!