Laura Bergemann

Laura is a PhD student in Interdisciplinary Materials Science at Vanderbilt University, originally from Boston, Massachusetts. She earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before completing a Master of Science in Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works and a Master of Arts in History of Art and Archaeology at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University.

Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, Laura conducted proteomic research of ancient and historic biological materials to better understand their composition and preservation at the Museum Conservation Institute at the Smithsonian Institution. She has previously undertaken conservation science research at several major institutions, including the Preservation Society of Newport County, the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, The Frick Collection, and Sotheby’s. Her research interests center on the scientific analysis of cultural heritage materials and applications of ancient knowledge to the modern world.