The Nasher MUSE (Museum Undergraduate Student Executive) Board serves as the museum’s undergraduate student voice of and for the Nasher Museum. As a bridge between the diverse student body and the museum, MUSE fosters student ownership of the museum, advises museum staff on effective ways to engage the Duke undergrads, and is proactive in promoting the museum throughout the Duke and Durham communities. Through opportunities to engage with museum leadership, MUSE members will further develop communication and professional skills in preparation for future leadership or board positions in their careers.

MUSE members:

• Serve until graduation, renewable each year by mutual agreement. Renewal is contingent upon active participation and demonstrated adherence to the outlined responsibilities.
• Attend and participate in two annual meetings at the museum set during the fall and spring academic semesters.
• Encourage other students and peers to engage with the museum through programming or academics during their time at Duke.
• Advise and consult with museum leadership on student engagement, leveraging the member’s unique life, professional, and academic experience, and expertise.
• Act as ambassadors and representatives of the Nasher Museum of Art and Duke University, advancing goals and priorities among social and peer circles, tabling across campus, and attending Nasher events and programs.
• Have fun making the museum a place where students want to spend time. Bring curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm to the board and to the museum!

Interested in joining?

Applications are due September 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Joyce Thomas, Class of 2026
Joyce is a senior studying History and Computer Science with a minor in Inequality Studies. She has been on MUSE since her sophomore year and is very interested in portraits and cross-hatching. A fun fact about Joyce is that she can fold in half backwards! Her favorite artist is Maisara Baroud.

“I joined MUSE because 1. Who wouldn’t want to work for a museum? 2. The Nasher is one of the best spots to be on campus, and 3. I get to go to so many amazing events with so many community members and learn more about the relationship and history between Durham and art.”

Ryan Bernstein, Class of 2026:
Ryan is a senior, studying History and Economics. He joined MUSE in the fall of his sophomore year. On campus, he is also involved with the Duke Undergraduate Energy and Climate Club and the Duke Impact Investing Group. He also enjoys volunteering with the Emily K Center, a nonprofit organization that supports academic and career development for students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Ryan is very interested in the renewable energy transition and the ways financial markets, policy, and technology intersect. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

“The most rewarding part of MUSE has been working together with other students with different experiences at Duke and finding ways to reflect our experiences in the Nasher outreach and programming.”

Charlotte Yew Huixin, Class of 2027
Charlotte is a junior from Singapore, double majoring in Sociology and Public Policy. She’s been on MUSE since her freshman year. Charlotte also dances with Pureun, Duke’s Kpop dance team, and is interested in all things related to Asia, museums, and marketing! Being the hopeless romantic that she is, her favorite artist is Claude Monet.

“I love MUSE because it gives me a chance to make art accessible and relatable to students who might not otherwise have the chance to interact with museums.”

Rania Farah, Class of 2027
Rania is a junior from New York City, studying Computer Science and Philosophy. In addition to MUSE, she is involved with the Duke Association for Business Oriented Women, DTech, the Chapel Scholars program, Duke Institute for Brain Sciences research, and the Buddhist Meditation Club. Rania’s favorite artists include Etel Adnan, Wassily Kandinsky, and Alex Katz. 

“I joined MUSE because art has always been a fundamental part of my life, and the Nasher holds a unique place in that journey. Encouraging student engagement with the museum through MUSE is so fulfilling, as I believe the Nasher offers something meaningful for every student to discover.”

MUSE members Phoebe Oblak, Ella Rubell, Natalia Immordino, and Charlotte Yew in front of Shadow and Light (For Julian Francis Abele) by Odili Donald Odita. Photo by Samantha Everette.

Phoebe Oblak, Class of 2027
Phoebe is a junior from New York City, majoring in Computational Media with a certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. She is also a part of Duke Business of Retail Society and in her free time loves to play tennis, practice yoga, and create her own art. Phoebe is interested in art that ventures across a range of mediums and disciplines; her favorite artist is Agnes Denes. 

“The Nasher was my first stop on my very first visit to Duke’s campus, and I was thrilled by its beautiful architecture, exhibitions, and of course the delicious brunch. Since then, I have loved bringing friends and family to explore each new exhibition, and love that MUSE provides the opportunity to further connect the museum and the student body.”

Natalia Immordino, Class of 2026
Natalia is a senior majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Economics and Art History. On campus she is also involved in research in the Becker Lab for Functional Biomaterials and is a part of the International Association. Her favorite artist is Alberto Giacometti.

“I joined MUSE as I wanted to help contribute to enriching the role of the Nasher on campus, and strengthening its relationship with the student body. I want to share my passion for art with like-minded students and stimulate appreciation for the artistic community around us.”

Please contact Gabrielle Tenedero, Museum Educator for Student Engagement, at gabrielle.tenedero@duke.edu.

Nasher MUSE is generously supported by The Sahm Family Foundation.