Meet Maggie Cheng ‘25

Where are you from and what is your background?
I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2022 I received my BA in History with a focus on Native American/Indigenous studies from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. Since graduating I have been working as a Visitor Experience Facilitator at the Science Museum of Minnesota. I recently decided to pursue my Master's degree in Museum Studies at USF.

Why did you apply for this graduate program and decide to study at USF?
I have always loved museums, but during my undergraduate studies I developed a passion for museums as a medium for telling stories and shaping public awareness of important issues. USF's Museum Studies program stood out because it centers on equity, indigeneity, and social justice is perfectly aligned with my interests and career aspirations.

What impacts has the Dean's Scholarship had on your ability to further your studies?
Receiving the Dean's Scholarship has made it possible for me to attend USF. USF's Museum Studies program was my top choice for pursuing my Master's degree, but the cost of tuition as well as the cost of relocating from Minneapolis to San Francisco, where cost of living is much higher, was a significant drawback. The Dean's Scholarship has eased that financial burden and given me the opportunity to pursue my passion at the school of my dreams.

What are your career ambitions?
There are many museum paths that I would be interested in pursuing for my future career, particularly curating, collections management, and exhibit design/interpretation. However, no matter what role I end up in, I know that I want to help uplift voices that have been underrepresented throughout history and share stories that have been suppressed by the dominant narratives often seen in museums.

What is something unique or interesting about you?
Something unique about me is that I am a twin.