Bianca Bellafiore will become the first person to receive a PhD in Museum Studies from the University of Aberdeen when she graduates today (Monday June 29).
After completing a Master’s in Museum Studies at the University of Leicester in 2019, she joined the University – attracted by its strong Anthropology department – to investigate visitor experiences of museum atmospheres.
As part of her PhD research Bianca, who had previously volunteered at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, worked with the House of Dun, a historic house museum near Montrose and part of the National Trust for Scotland in Angus.
She explored how the atmosphere is created through careful design and curatorial choices, as well as the natural qualities of the space itself.
Bianca said: “At House of Dun, I talked with staff about how they want visitors to feel, their approach to arranging displays and exhibits, and what information is included in the tours. I also interviewed visitors after their visits to better understand how they experienced the museum’s presentation and storytelling.”
Her work there earned an ‘honourable mention’ from the Society for Applied Anthropology as part of its 2024 Evre Chamber Awards, which recognise innovative student research in the anthropology of tourism and heritage.
Since completing her studies, Bianca has returned to the USA ut she is taking the friendships formed in Aberdeen and a love of Scotland’s heritage and landscape with her.