Preferred Name: Eliana Massey

Pronouns: she/her

Program/Major: Museum Studies (major), Philosophy of Science (major), Pacific Islands Studies certificate, Community Engagement certificate (alum, BS ’25)

“I decided to pursue the Pacific Island studies certificate after working as a research assistant for Dr. Maile Arvin. As a multiracial Native Hawaiian student who grew up in Texas, I valued the opportunity to work with a Native Hawaiian professor on Hawaiian history research. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to Hawai’i twice with Dr. Arvin to participate in on-site research and those experiences cemented my interest in the Pacific Island studies  certificate.

“After my schooling, I intend to work in an informal education space like a museum, library, or nature/cultural center. Pacific Island studies has helped me to narrow my interdisciplinary skills to a specific region. The Pacific Island studies world is also small enough that I’ve been able to meet people working in museums, libraries, archives, and educational centers from across the world. Learning more about my own heritage has helped me to approach Indigenous people from other cultures more authentically. I believe this is especially important for people working in spaces like museums, libraries, and archives.”