Max Evjen

Max Evjen serves as Assistant Director of Engagement and Communication in the Digital Humanities Program and teaches in the Arts, Cultural Management and Museum Studies Program within the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University. He also holds affiliate faculty status in the Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Collaboration, Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), leveraging over 15 years of experience spanning arts administration, museum education, and digital project development.

Evjen earned a BFA (Cum Laude) in Performing Arts: Acting with Honors in Liberal Studies from Adelphi University (1998), an MBA from Ithaca College (2008), and an MA in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University (2012). This unique blend of artistic training, business acumen, and museum expertise informs his interdisciplinary approach to cultural technology.

His research focuses on the transformative potential of digital technologies in cultural spaces, with core interests in accessibility implementation, AR/VR applications, social media strategy, and audience engagement. Evjen investigates how user-centered design principles from theatrical production can enhance museum technology development, emphasizing inclusive experiences for diverse audiences including those with disabilities. His work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical institutional applications.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals evolving trends from foundational mobile learning applications (Sundial, Moboogie) toward contemporary challenges in remote work adaptation, digital community building, and accessibility innovation. His research trajectory demonstrates increasing focus on practical implementation strategies within resource-constrained museum environments, with recent works addressing social media community management and digital strategy frameworks.

• Honorable Mention, CHI 2011 (top 5% of submissions)
• MCN Board Member since 2022
• MCN 2021 Program Co-Chair

As an educator, Evjen actively connects classroom learning with professional practice through initiatives like Twitter-based student-professional networking. His grant-funded projects, including AR prototyping at the MSU Museum and mobile application development, provide hands-on opportunities for students to engage with real-world museum technology challenges. He emphasizes practical skill development in digital strategy and audience engagement within his teaching.

Though not leading a traditional research lab, Evjen is deeply embedded in MSU's Digital Humanities Program ecosystem and collaborates closely with the MSU Museum on technology initiatives. His ongoing musical work with Two-Body Problem reflects his commitment to maintaining active creative practice alongside academic and administrative responsibilities, modeling the interdisciplinary integration he advocates.