October 26, 2022
IPI is thrilled to announce that Dr. Marvin Cummings will join the team as Research Scientist in November 2022. Marvin brings extensive research experience from the technology sector, with a solid interdisciplinary background across the physical sciences, engineering, and archeometry. Prior to his appointment at IPI, he held positions as Program Manager at the New York Academy of Sciences, as a Researcher at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, and a Product Engineer at Texas Instruments. Marvin was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Getty Conservation Institute, J. Paul Getty Museum and Foundation between 2011-2012, where he studied the chemistry and microstructure of 6th to 4th century B.C. black- and red-figure ceramics from ancient Greece, using an array of microscopy and x-ray techniques. This interdisciplinary Fellowship initiated his interest in the application of data science principles for the advancement of conservation and preservation, which he will draw from in his new role at IPI.
As Marvin prepares to join IPI, he shared the following: “I am very excited to be joining such a dedicated team of conservation professionals, and look forward to continuing a great legacy of research in heritage preservation, established at the Image Permanence Institute.”
The Image Permanence Institute is looking for an early- to mid-career conservation professional (all disciplines are encouraged to apply) who is committed to supporting and assisting collecting institutions with essential preventive conservation activities.
In May-June 2022, IPI conducted an online survey assessing how collecting institutions are using 3D printing and interacting with 3D printed objects and materials. The survey covered three major areas: 3D printed objects and artwork found in collections, conservation treatments of 3D printed objects, and 3D printing in preservation and access activities, including its use as a tool in conservation treatments of non-3D printed objects, exhibition and display, and collections transportation.
The Image Permanence Institute received a National Leadership Grant for Museums from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the amount of $711,598 to support a three-year research project that will study the relationship between equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and the physical stability of plastics and plastic composite artifacts found in museums.
This month, IPI is completing the first year of a three-year research project aimed at building a foundational understanding of how museums are creating, collecting, and consuming 3D printed objects. In May and June of 2022, project work included an online survey assessing how collecting institutions are using 3D printing and interacting with 3D printed objects and materials across a broad range of activities.