Dawn Scher Thomae

Dawn Scher Thomae is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), affiliated with the College of Letters & Science. She also serves as the Curator of Anthropology Collections at the Milwaukee Public Museum and co-coordinates the Museum Studies Graduate Certificate Program at UWM.

Education:

• MS in Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• BA in Anthropology and Museum Studies, Beloit College

Research Interests: Dr. Thomae specializes in the Material Culture of the Americas, Museum Studies, and Indigenous weaponry. Her work bridges academic anthropology with museum practice, emphasizing cultural heritage preservation and exhibition development. She actively contributes to curatorial efforts and graduate education in museum studies.

Awards/Grants: No specific awards or grants listed in the text.

Advising & Roles: Teaches courses including Anthro 720 (History and Theory of Museums) and Anthro 722 (Museum Exhibit Practicum). Her roles include curriculum development for the Museum Studies program and managing anthropological collections at the Milwaukee Public Museum.

Labs/Teams: Works within the Milwaukee Public Museum's Anthropology department and collaborates with UWM's Anthropology faculty on museum-related initiatives.