Welcome Museum Associates and Interns
Friends of the Chicago River is excited to welcome an outstanding group of associates and interns who are supporting our mission this summer at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum as well as working on key policy and planning projects.
We’re proud to welcome our Bridgehouse Museum team, a dynamic group bringing a wide range of expertise in history, guest relations, and environmental education:
- Dimitra Kakares, Museum Associate, holds a bachelor’s degree in art, media, and design from DePaul University
- Corvin Mecklenburger, Museum Associate, holds a bachelor’s degree in animation, interactive technology, video graphics, and special effects from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
- Sofia Wardzala, Museum Associate, holds a bachelor’s degree in public history from Loyola University Chicago.
We're also thrilled to welcome two interns from our university partner, the Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), who will bring skills and valuable support to our ongoing programs:
- Matthew Devon Chandra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Philosophy with a minor in Urban Planning from Calvin University. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in urban planning and policy, with a focus in environmental sustainability from UIC. Mathew will assist with the work of Friend’s planning team to research and understand the 28-mile Chicago Sanitary Ship Canal corridor through mapping, constituent engagement, and field exploration.
- Alyssa Edes holds a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism with a Postcolonial studies minor from Emerson University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Urban Planning and Public Policy from UCI. Alyssa will be working at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum throughout the summer months to develop an exhibit focused on the Calumet River System.
Welcome aboard!
