The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Nicole Burt to the role of Senior Director of Curatorial and Research Affairs. In this role, Dr. Burt will lead all science-based research and institutional initiatives at the Museum, guiding the organization’s curatorial vision and strategic direction in both the Research and Natural Areas divisions.
As the Senior Director of Curatorial and Research Affairs, Dr. Burt will work to deepen the impact of Museum research programs and enhance collection stewardship, collaborating across the organization to promote excellence and innovation in natural history scholarship. Dr. Burt’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening partnerships with universities, research institutions, and government agencies, while supporting learning opportunities for aspiring scientists.
A biological anthropologist who studies both archaeological and modern human populations, Dr. Burt first joined the Museum as its Curator of Human Health & Evolutionary Medicine in 2014. In this role, she facilitated the Museum’s ongoing connection to Cleveland’s medical and health communities. Her research centers around the question, “What does it mean to be healthy?” with focus areas including diet and health, food access, bioethics, early-childhood feeding practice, One Health, osteology, stable isotope reconstruction, methods testing, and informal learning pedagogy. She is an advocate for fostering equitable partnerships between scientists, museums, and the communities with whom they work. Dr. Burt earned her Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Alberta, a master's degree in forensic science from Michigan State University, and a bachelor's degree from Beloit College. This promotion reflects the Museum’s commitment to advancing our mission in Service to Science, emphasizing our dedication to scientific excellence and public engagement.
