Meaghan O'Rourke

Conservation

About

I have always had a meticulous eye for detail in both my work and my hobbies. My passion for creating artwork evolved into an aspiration to preserve the art, history and cultures of the past. The experience I have in both art and conservation has taught me the balance between perfection, integrity and preservation. My patience and diligence have been a great strength in the work that I do.

Conservation Technician

  • Major / Minor: Anthropology / Museum Studies
  • City: College Station, Texas
  • Degree: Bachelor, Texas A&M University
  • Email: meaghan017@gmail.com

As an Anthropology and Museums Studies undergraduate student, I have studied the inner-workings of museums, elements of exhibition design and the importance of cultural appreciation and preservation. Specific courses in this field of study that I took include Museum Law and Ethics, Collections Care and Management, Artifact Analysis and Advanced Museum Studies. In these courses I took the opportunity to interview the Decorative Arts Conservator at the Museum of Fine Arts - Houston, designed a Cultural Exhibit and created documentation for mock artifact accessioning.

I have interned at Texas A&M University's Conservation Research Laboratory for two semesters, until I was hired as a Convservation Technician. At the lab, I have gain valuable experience in handling, X-Raying, photographing, treating and processing artifacts of both nautical and terrestrial provenience. I believe that because of my background in Conservation and artistic passion, this has made me a valuable team member in many projects.

Resume

Education

B.S., Anthropology and Minor in Museum Studies

Class of 2021

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

  • FaroArm Scanning, 3-D Artifact Printing, Microscopy, X-ray Flourescence, Photogrammetry, Artifact Drawing

Volunteer/Internships

TEXAS A&M ANTHROPOLOGY CONFERENCE

Spring 2021
  • Participated in the Graduate-Undergraduate Mentorship Program (GUMP) with Claire Zak, a Texas A&M Nautical Archaeology Program PhD candidate
  • Presented a poster of Claire Zak’s research on the alcohol dehydration method on water-logged paper from Brother Jonathan, a Gold Rush shipwreck
  • Performed tensility and tear tests and iron level tests on paper

VIA COLORI ARTIST

November 2016 - November 2018
  • Participated in an annual chalk art street festival at which artists drew murals to raise donations for children at the hearing and speech center

TEXAS A&M CONSERVATION RESEARCH LAB INTERN

September 2019 - May 2020
  • Trained in taking artifact X-rays, air scribing and silicone-oil conservation methods
  • Handled historic nautical and terrestrial artifacts
  • Pre- and post-conservation photography
  • Documented treatment, dimensions, and conditions of artifacts into both a database and filing system

PEER NOTE TAKER

August 2019 - May 2020
  • 94+ Hours (Three Courses)
  • Improved access to notes for disabled students
  • Provided critical service for students attending the university

Professional Experience

CONSERVATION LAB TECHNICIAN

June 2020 - Present

Conservation Research Laboratory, Texas A&M University

  • X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-radiation
  • Pre-treatment and post-treatment artifact photography
  • Chemical treatment preparation and conversions; Standard treatments for conserving wood, bone, glass, shell, iron, lead/pewter, silver alloy, gold plated, and copper alloy artifacts
  • Bronze disease re-treatment
  • Artifact measurements, documentation, and database processing
  • Electrolytic-reduction vat set-up and titrations
  • CRL social media posts
  • Fork-lift driving training

RECREATION CENTER ATTENDANT

February 2020 - August 2020

REC Sports, Texas A&M University

  • Ensured the safety of patrons at the facility by checking IDs and proper exercise attire
  • Informed patrons on any changes to the facility hours and greeted them upon entrance
  • Enforced COVID-19 policies at the center and sanitized all surfaces throughout the building

COMMUNITY LEADER

August 2018 - May 2019

Office of Residence Life, Texas A&M University - Galveston

  • Advisor, confidant, and event planner for 48 residents in a co-ed hall
  • Performed nightly security checks through resident halls campus wide
  • Reslife lobby receptionist and clerical duties
  • Managed move-in/out procedures for residents

Portfolio

Below is a collection of artifacts I've had the opportunity to conserve:

  • All
  • French Legation
  • Mission Dolores
  • San Felipe de Austin
  • Levi Jordan

Contact

Thank you for taking the time to read through my personal portfolio! If you've enjoyed your time here, please feel free to send me a message. I look forward to hearing from you.