The Virginia Living Museum offers undergraduate and graduate students with a hands-on learning opportunity in the field of conservation education. Students are selected from Christopher Newport University, Hampton University, and the College of William and Mary to complete a fellowship experience from September through May. We identify students who have a passion for our mission – providing educational experiences that promote the conservation of our natural world.
Our fellows come to the museum with a variety of backgrounds in sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, atmospheric science, and geology. They use this background and prior skills to help us facilitate new and exciting opportunities for our guests. During their 100-hour fellowship, they will explore how to engage a variety of ages in science and conservation topics. Each fellow is required to design a project that fits in with their interests and supports one of our strategic goals.
Students have designed and facilitated special events, led community science trainings, created hands-on activities and explored the night skies with guests. Learn about our current 2024-2025 fellows and past projects below.
Christopher Newport University (CNU)
Lawson Fellow – Graduate Fellow
Jaidan Brass
🎓 M.S. in Environmental Science (Expected May 2025)
🎓 B.A. in Environmental Studies and Biology
Jaidan brings research and education experience to the table, including work with Atlantic white cedar and youth-focused climate education. This year, she’ll lead museum programs from the touch pool to the telescope and design a conservation-themed outreach program for events like Earth Day and STEM Career Day. Jaidan’s goal? Making science accessible, exciting, and actionable for audiences of all ages!
College of William & Mary (W&M)
Fred Farris Fellow – Graduate Fellow
Julia Lucatorto
🎓 B.S. in Biology (Expected May 2025)
Julia blends scientific research with educational outreach like a pro. From helping prep our mastodon fossil to leading public “Meet a Mastodon” programs, she’s connecting paleontology with public engagement. She’s currently developing an Ice Age-themed Discovery Box for classrooms—bringing fossils, specimens, and science tools directly to teachers and students across Virginia.
Hampton University (HU)
VLM Fellow – Graduate Fellow
Dean Klunk
🎓 M.S. Atmospheric Science, Hampton University
🎓 B.S. Physics (Astrophysics), The College of New Jersey
Dean is our go-to space science fellow, blending astrophysics with public education. He hosts live planetarium shows, monthly Stargazing events, and leads observatory programs—including solar viewing and flare tracking. Dean is also mentoring our high school mentee in solar research, showing how science and storytelling can come together to spark wonder in every visitor.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
These fellows are more than students—they’re teachers, researchers, role models, and innovators. We’re proud to have them on our team this year as we continue to connect people to nature through science, conservation, and education.
