Philomath High Schooler Chanel Sarmiento-Contreras Leads Inclusive Design Project to Improve Visitor Experience for Individuals who are Blind or have Low Vision
Philomath High Schooler Chanel Sarmiento-Contreras Leads Inclusive Design Project to Improve Visitor Experience for Individuals who are Blind or have Low Vision
Chanel Sarmiento-Contreras spent her 2025 SWEP work experience in the Paleontology Lab of the much-celebrated Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). Chanel worked alongside Marissa Gamliell, OMSI’s Learning Strategist for Equity-Based Engagement, who also runs OMSI’s summer internship and teen programs.
OMSI provided Chanel the opportunity to collaborate with other interns on a research-based project that focused on making the lab more accessible and welcoming for visitors who are blind or have limited vision.
In laying the groundwork for the project, Chanel observed and interviewed visitors, collecting data around engagement and accessibility. She also conducted research on accessibility best practices that have been implemented by museums across the country. Ultimately, she decided on an Object Based Learning Project which involved using 3D printing technology to replicate fossils that visitors can touch and interact with.
“When I was working at OMSI, I was able to learn how to work in a real job,” said Chanel. “OMSI gave me an opportunity to work with other interns to make their lab more accessible because a lot of the fossils are behind glass and you can’t touch them. I was trying to figure out how I could make the Paleontology Lab more accessible, and we found a way to 3D-print the fossils and have enlarged prints that are Brailed as well. I also got to talk to other staff and volunteers in the lab, which made my experience more fun, and I presented on my last day at OMSI to all the staff, volunteers, interns and some staff from OCB.”
Her supervisor, Marissa, also deeply valued her summer working with Chanel.
“For the last five weeks I’ve been able to work alongside Chanel and experience her amazing leadership qualities and thoughtful reflections and ideas come to fruition through her work, it’s been really wonderful,” she said.
The result of Chanel’s Learning Project can currently be seen in
OMSI’s Paleontology Lab, with more exciting innovations to come.