Jessica J. Luke

Jessica J. Luke is the Director of the Master of Arts in Museology (MA-Muse) program and a Teaching Professor at the University of Washington's Information School. With over 25 years of experience in museum education and learning science, she focuses on advancing how museums foster critical thinking, social-emotional development, and wellbeing through research-driven practices.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from University of Maryland College Park
• M.A. in Museum Studies from University of Toronto

Dr. Luke's research centers on museum education in informal learning environments, specifically examining:

• Impact of awe and art on critical thinking and stress reduction
• Social-emotional learning in children's museums and playgrounds
• Youth development and family learning dynamics

Her work integrates research and evaluation to transform museum visitor experiences.

Recent publications (2021-2022) demonstrate consistent focus on museum-wellbeing intersections, with key contributions in art museum awe responses, children's social-emotional development, and technology applications. Her scholarship emphasizes practical implications for exhibit design and educational programming across museum types.

As MA-Muse Director, Dr. Luke mentors emerging museum professionals through curriculum development and industry partnerships. Her leadership builds on 15 years of research at the Institute for Learning Innovation, where she collaborated with John Falk and Lynn Dierking on national museum studies.

She operates within the University of Washington's Coast Salish-acknowledged context, leading the MA-Muse program as a hub for museum innovation and community-based practice.