Prototyping
David Bailey - Prototyper
David has a life-long interest in science and technology, and loves to tinker. He has a Master's degree in Fine Arts, with a specialization in electronically and mechanically driven kinetic sculpture. During his time at the Science Museum, David has developed prototypes for both permanent and traveling exhibits such as Raise the Roof; Dinosaurs and Fossils Gallery; When Crocodiles Ruled; Playing With Time; Wild Music; Water: H2O = Life; and World of Ecology. He also created a model of an electromagnetic crane for the Bakken Museum's exhibit of historic electrical devices.
Richard Gagnon - Master Prototyper
Richard holds a dual degree from San Francisco State University in Physics and Art, and uses his diverse educational background to create functional, accurate and beautiful exhibits on any number of topics. He was an early innovator at the Exploratorium in San Francisco working closely with Frank Oppenheimer. Richard has also worked for the Pacific Science Center (Seattle); Discovery Place (Charlotte, NC); Discovery Center of Idaho (Boise); Technorama (Switzerland); and Explora Science Center (Albuquerque).
At the Science Museum of Minnesota, he has worked on numerous projects, including Fluid Power; Nanotechnology; Robots and Us; World of Ecology; Water: H2O = Life; Geometry Playground; Wild Music; and Playing With Time.
When asked to name a favorite museum, Richard went back to his days at the Discovery Center of Idaho. "Very much an under-appreciated place," he says. "There is good solid science in most of the displays. The guy who writes the graphics really knows what he is talking about."
Mark Hegnauer - Exhibit Prototyper
Mark has a long history in fabrication. He studied watch making at the St. Paul Technical Vocational Institute, as well as English at the University of Minnesota. He has worked as a welder and fabricator for an architectural metals firm, as well as property master for several theater companies.
At the Science Museum, Mark has worked on a wide variety of exhibits, including World of Ecology; Water: H2O = Life; Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear; Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination; the Big Back Yard; Science Buzz; and the Mississippi River Gallery.
Mark is also a board member of the Oakeshott Institute, an organization whose mission is "to promote the interest in ancient arms and armor through a hands-on educational approach."
Gary Roach - Exhibit Prototyper
Gary started working at the Science Museum of Minnesota in 1994, producing traveling exhibits. After two years he moved over to the Minnesota Historical Society where he developed and produced exhibits to interpret historical technology, including hydropower exhibits for the Mill City Museum. While there, received training in artifact mount-making. He also helped produce object theaters for historic sites throughout the state. In 2003, Gary returned to the Science Museum to develop and produce water erosion exhibits for the Big Back Yard outdoor exhibit.
Gary is currently completing a degree in Furniture Design at the University of Minnesota, combining his skills with materials with his interest in history and culture.
Daryl Smith - Exhibit Prototyper
Daryl studied Studio Arts at Minneapolis College of Art and Design and Metro State University. He has used that training to create large sculptural displays for exhibits, such as the Big Hand, Tissue Invaders and Cell Puzzle for the Human Body Gallery, and the 3D models and some of the interactive components for Disease Detectives.
Before joining the Science Museum, Daryl worked in the film and advertising business building sets, props and special effects.
Daryl lists his second-favorite museum (after the Science Museum of Minnesota, of course) as the Leitner Museum in St Augustine, Florida. He describes it as "a collection of collections that ranges from collected cigar bands to Impressionist art. It's very quirky and fun."
Peder Thompson - Master Prototyper
Peder holds a BFA in studio arts. Before coming to the Science Museum, he taught art classes for persons with learning difficulties. At the Science Museum, Peder has worked on almost all of our permanent galleries, as well as on traveling shows such as When Crocodiles Ruled; Fossil Mysteries; Water: H2O = Life; Big Back Yard; and Fluid Power. Among his current projects, Peder is mentoring new exhibit shop staff in machining and prototyping.
Peder has also worked at the Minnesota Zoo, where he developed educational interactive programs and shows depicting the natural behavior of birds and marine mammals. He has 21 years of fabrication experience, including Prop Craftsperson for the Guthrie Theater and Custom Rock Sculptor for Deaton Museum Services.
Peder enjoys telling limericks, several of which can even be repeated in mixed company.