Madison Bockenstedt

Detail-oriented professional with museum collections experience and a Museum Studies Certificate from the University of Iowa, seeking to bring strong research, cataloging, and preservation skills to a curatorial role at the Des Moines Art Center. Completed a six-month internship in the Preservation and Research department at the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History (MacBride), cataloging and researching aquatic specimens and applying proper handling, labeling, and storage techniques. Complements this background with a Bachelor's in Anthropology and three years in a high-volume production environment requiring meticulous attention to detail and independent problem-solving under deadline.

Adaptable, organized, and passionate about the careful stewardship and presentation of collections.

Preservation and Research Intern - University of Iowa Museum of Natural History (MacBride) - Iowa City, IA

(2025-01 - 2025-06)

• Cataloged and researched aquatic specimens collected from California and surrounding water bodies under the supervision of the museum's Preservation Department.
• Cleaned, organized, and created accurate labels for specimens to support collections documentation and accessibility.
• Learned and applied proper preservation and storage techniques, and developed skill in differentiating specimen types, to protect collection integrity for long-term research and exhibition use.

Bakery Manager - University of Iowa Housing and Dining - Iowa City, IA

(2023-02 - 2026-05)

• Prepared a variety of fresh and frozen baked goods, pastries, and desserts for Burge Marketplace, following recipes, production schedules, and presentation standards to ensure consistent quality, portion control, and freshness.
• Followed strict multi-step food safety, sanitation, labeling, product rotation, storage, and cleaning procedures to comply with health and safety regulations.
• Planned and executed daily production based on forecasted demand, adapting quickly to frequently changing recipes and resolving production issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Worked independently, consistently meeting production goals and maintaining a clean, organized workstation without direct supervision.
• Decorated cakes and baked goods with attention to detail and presentation to enhance the guest experience.

Billing Office Phone Operator - University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA

(2022-09 - 2023-01)

• Provided high-quality customer service by answering phone calls and resolving billing questions, applying detailed knowledge of office protocols and procedures.

Museum Studies Certificate - University of Iowa

Bachelor's Degree - Anthropology - University of Iowa (2022-08 - 2026-05)