Rachel Hopkins
Falls Church
Summary
Detail-oriented museum professional and archaeologist with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. Creative, dedicated, and reliable.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Archives Management Specialist
TSA Historian Program
09.2024 - 09.2025
- Ensured digital archives are saved to identified, dedicated, hard drives and backed up to a secondary location.
- Organized physical archive records. Named records and storage locations in accordance with TSA Archive nomenclature and methodology.
- Implemented long-term housing and re-house materials to archive industry and TSA Archive standards.
- Tracked TSA Historian operation metrics and tasks in Microsoft Teams and other SCPA/CSI metrics dashboards.
- Maintained accurate inventory records for physical collections by conducting regular audits and updating database entries accordingly.
- Developed finding aids to guide users through extensive collections, promoting ease of use and document discovery.
- Managed the acquisition process for new collections, ensuring timely and accurate integration into existing holdings.
- Ensured long-term preservation by adhering to best practices in handling delicate or sensitive materials.
- Established proper storage conditions for various media types, extending the life of archival materials.
- Reduced backlog of unprocessed materials through diligent prioritization and task management.
- Evaluated potential donations or acquisitions based on relevance to collection scope and institutional goals.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
Assistant Registrar
National Museum of Health and Medicine
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Worked with team members to maintain collection management standards and plan for new acquisitions
- Responsible for communication with THPOs and other tribal representatives regarding repatriation and NAGPRA compliance
- Assisted in creating deeds of gift and loan agreements
- Administered Integrated Pest Management program
- Supervised exhibit reviews to maintain object preservation
- Researched found-in-collection objects and their provenance
- Tracked accession files and ensured proper numbering procedures
- Collaborated with museum staff to enhance visibility and accessibility of Museum, Library, and Archive programs
- Developed comprehensive training materials for new hires, ensuring a seamless transition into the role of Assistant Registrar.
- Organized, reviewed, and filed paperwork for secure recordkeeping.
Kitselman Museum Fellow
University of Nevada, Reno Anthropology Research Museum
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Conducted full inventories of museum collections, including historical archaeology, Indigenous basketry, and prehistoric projectile points, totaling over 3,000 objects.
- Completed condition reports for objects and updated records in museum software
- Collaborated on exhibit development
- Oversaw interns and provided mentorship for professional development
- Communicated with THPOs, SHPOs, and University officials to ensure all guideline relating to repatriation were followed
- Managed the Museum's NAGPRA repatriation project, tracking 11 sites associated with Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe ancestral sites and associated remains and grave goods
- Contributed to research activities by providing specialist input based on professional expertise, practice, experience, and qualifications.
- Monitored exhibit installations closely to maintain adherence to established budgets and timelines during execution phase
- Maintained artifact preservation standards through meticulous cataloging, storage, and display techniques.
Teaching Assistant
University of Nevada, Reno Anthropology Department
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Facilitated engaging discussions in Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Introduction to Archaeology classes
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to adapt to remote learning environment during COVID-19 pandemic
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Collaborated with professors and fellow teaching assistants to create a consistent and supportive learning environment for students.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Conducted research for academic projects, contributing to advancement of departmental goals.
- Assisted in grading assignments efficiently, contributing to timely feedback for students.
- Enhanced students' understanding of complex anthropological concepts with interactive teaching methods.
Office Assistant
Robert Half
03.2017 - 08.2018
- Organized office tasks including customer service, data entry, clerical and filing, office administration, organization, and team projects
- Assisted with resolving office-related issues and responding to requests
- Adapted to new procedures and practices as business grew and diversified
- Enhanced office efficiency by managing schedules, organizing files, and maintaining a clean workspace.
- Facilitated smooth operations by efficiently handling incoming mail, phone calls, and visitor inquiries.
- Expedited document processing with accurate data entry and timely filing.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing professional and courteous front desk support.
- Achieved high levels of accuracy in data entry tasks while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Ensured operational continuity, providing critical administrative support during staff absences and peak workload periods.
- Facilitated smooth workflow by efficiently handling multiple administrative tasks simultaneously, prioritizing according to urgency and importance.
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings and appointments.
Graduate Education Collections Intern
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
06.2015 - 11.2015
- Completed inventories and condition reports for collections in the education department including animal specimens, textiles, and musical instruments
- Researched genealogical histories as part of a partnership which identified unknown burials of settlers
- Mounted, labeled, and photographed 200+ botanical specimens
- Assisted in the preservation and care of museum collections
- Identified needs for restoration and preservation of objects
Documents Specialist
National Archives and Records Administration
08.2010 - 05.2012
- Collaborated with team members to improve visibility and accessibility of historical documents
- Ensured preservation and security of historical documents through cataloging and rehousing
- Implemented collection management standards to maintain the integrity of the archives
- Communicated effectively with researchers, scholars, and other collaborators to assist with document requests
- Monitored and maintained the safety of documents during researcher visits
- Assisted in the planning and implementation of new acquisitions and preservation projects
- Safeguarded sensitive information by adhering to strict security protocols when handling confidential documents.
- Prevented loss or misplacement of critical documents through diligent maintenance of both physical and digital storage systems.
Education
Ph.D. - Archaeology
University of Nevada
Reno12.2023
Master of Arts - Museum Studies
George Washington University
Washington, DC05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Archaeology
George Washington University
Washington, DC05.2014
Skills
- Google Suite
- PastPerfect
- Ke Emu
- Grant writing
- German language
- Collections management
- Data entry and tracking
- Microsoft Office
- ArcGIS
- Communication skills
Timeline
Archives Management Specialist
TSA Historian Program
09.2024 - 09.2025
Assistant Registrar
National Museum of Health and Medicine
10.2023 - 09.2024
Kitselman Museum Fellow
University of Nevada, Reno Anthropology Research Museum
08.2020 - 05.2022
Teaching Assistant
University of Nevada, Reno Anthropology Department
08.2018 - 05.2020
Office Assistant
Robert Half
03.2017 - 08.2018
Graduate Education Collections Intern
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
06.2015 - 11.2015
Documents Specialist
National Archives and Records Administration
08.2010 - 05.2012
Ph.D. - Archaeology
University of Nevada
Master of Arts - Museum Studies
George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Archaeology
George Washington University
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