Brianna Birkle, a junior at Walsh University, is combining her interests in art and chemistry to test historic artifacts for hazardous materials. She is majoring in Museum Studies and Visual & Performing Arts with a minor in Chemistry. Birkle collaborates with museum professionals to uncover hidden dangers in centuries-old books and objects.

As part of Walsh University's Museum Studies program, Birkle joined a conservation project at the Massillon Museum. She worked alongside students and faculty from Lake Erie College and Aultman College of Nursing. Using specialized equipment from Lake Erie College, the team examined 19th- and early 20th-century artifacts with X-ray fluorescence technology to detect toxic elements like mercury and arsenic.

“The collaboration with Janet Wittine, a student at Lake Erie College, the team at Massillon Museum, and Dr. Jean Paddock, President of Aultman College, provided an exciting opportunity to learn and discover,” Birkle said. “Working on the Poison Book Project was especially rewarding, as it allowed us to uncover hidden toxic elements such as copper acetoarsenite—better known as ‘emerald green.’ It was eye-opening to see how these hazardous materials are still present in artifacts from the past.”

Her passion for conservation has been nurtured through her work at Walsh University. She interned at ICA-Art Conservation in Cleveland, helping conserve cultural heritage objects, cataloged historic artifacts at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and serves on the Stark County Heritage Emergency Response Team.

Birkle's academic pursuits include a Junior Honors Project titled “Volatile Compounds: Two Sides of Textiles in Collections.” This project examines how pollutants emitted by nearby objects can degrade textiles in museums. “This project is especially meaningful as it ties directly into my senior thesis,” she stated.

At ICA-Art Conservation, Birkle gained hands-on experience under trained conservators. “Under the guidance of trained conservators, I’ve worked on everything from repairing damaged frames to cleaning monumental sculptures and textiles,” she shared.

Her role at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens highlighted conservation challenges. “My task was to examine every light fixture in the historic home to report on its condition,” she explained.

Birkle's global experiences have enriched her education further. “Visiting museums and historic sites in Paris, Florence, and Rome was an invaluable experience," she said.

Walsh University's Museum Studies program has been instrumental for Birkle's career preparation. “The hands-on opportunities Walsh offers have made me a much stronger candidate for graduate school,” she remarked.

Looking forward, Birkle plans to gain more conservation experience before pursuing graduate studies. "My long-term goal is to become a fully trained conservator," she said.