Career spotlight: Rob Theodore, Sedgwick Museum

Rob Theodore, Exhibitions and Displays Coordinator at the Sedgwick Museum, has been interested in the natural world since he moved from Greater London to the Cambridgeshire Fens when he was four. Rob puts his love of all things palaeontology down to a book, the ‘Sainsbury’s Book of Dinosaurs’, which his dad gave him soon after they moved.

Now Rob gets to share his passion with visitors to the Sedgwick Museum every day. His role at the Museum recently featured in the University’s Focus on Technicians careers showcase, a University project which shines a light on the diverse technical roles and stimulating working environments across Cambridge.

Rob’s work at the Museum helps both researchers and the local community to connect with and feel part of the Museum. Rob can usually be found designing and writing content for new exhibits, but on a day-to-day basis he often supports with the wider running of the Museum, including welcoming visitors and IDing the geological objects they bring in. He’s even shown David Attenborough around the Museum, a particular highlight for him.

In 2014, Rob kick-started the Sedgwick Museum’s Community Cabinet project, which invites members of the local community to curate their own display of geological artefacts and the personal stories behind them.

Rob also works closely with researchers in the Department to create engaging research displays, such as the exhibition on the recently-discovered fossil Arthopleura — the largest millipede that ever lived.

Through his exhibits, Rob is also supporting the Museum in its efforts to challenge stereotypes around being a geologist. One example is the Geologist Shoes display, which came about after Adam Sedgwick’s very traditional patent leather boots went on loan to Norwich Cathedral. Looking to fill the shoe-shaped gap in the permanent display, Rob reached out to fourth year student and fashion blogger Saffy Thorn, who lent her pink heels. The display, complete with Saffy’s statement shoes, sparked conversations on social media around people’s perceptions of earth science, and barriers to access including fieldwork.

Rob’s role highlights just one of the many creative and non-traditional career paths for earth scientists. If you’re interested in more careers for earth scientists, take a look at this resource from the BGS.

Watch Rob’s interview, and see more technical roles in workshops, labs and museums across the University.