About Isabel
My primary focus has been designing and leading university museum tours, establishing programs and research using museum collections, and co-curating exhibitions with community members. My work requires me to be interdisciplinary, collaborative, and ambitious. My nearly 7 years of working in university museums has given me a strong understanding of the importance of museums being actively anti-racist and bold in their visions for student engagement and learning.
Isabel Engel is currently the University Learning and Programs Specialist at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. At UMMA, she manages and supervises year-round arts programming for learners of all ages, designing exhibition teaching guides, and collaborating with faculty members to integrate UMMA's exhibitions and collections into their curricula. She also works closely with curatorial colleagues to ensure that UMMA's exhibitions and acquisitions align with the university's learning and research interests. In the last couple of years, she also curates displays independently and in collaboration with faculty partners to promote interdisciplinary learning and bring research projects to the public.
Engel's expertise extends beyond curatorial work, as she has been actively involved in teaching and course development. She has served as a Graduate Teaching Fellow in the Jewish Studies Department at the University of Oregon from September 2016 to June 2018. Additionally, she has been a guest lecturer at the University of Michigan, where she has taught courses such as "Translating World Literature," "Introduction to Native American Studies," "Visual Criticality and Empathy," and "Contemporary Issues in Museums," among others.
Throughout her career, Engel has been involved in numerous exhibitions, including Their Hearts Are in This Land: Native Resilience in Western Oregon, Unsettling Histories: Legacies of Slavery and Colonialism, Andrea Carlson: Future Cache, and Cannupa Hanska Luger: You're Welcome, to name a few. Her exhibition experience ranges from curatorial roles to research assistance and education, showcasing her versatility and comprehensive understanding of exhibition development.
Engel's contributions to the field have been recognized through various grants and fellowships. She was the Andrew W. Mellon Academic Teaching Fellow at the University of Michigan, and she actively engages in professional activities and service, furthering the advancement of arts education and community outreach.
Isabel Engel's commitment to community engagement, extensive curatorial experience, and dedication to arts education make her a valuable asset to any institution looking to create meaningful connections between art, culture, and the public.