Museum of Science and Industry

Currently lives in  

Grosse Pointe Park, Mich.

Grew up in   

Newport, RI

Age   

37

Education   

Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa; Oakland University, Rochester, Mich.   

Occupation   

Teacher and school administrator (currently on sabbatical)

Three Favorite Hobbies

Reading, running, going to the theater

Three Adjectives that Describe Me

Hopeful, inquisitive, spirited

Fun Fact

Did her student teaching in South Africa for two months.

From the Essay

“I want to live in the museum this year because I think it is the ultimate illustration of being a lifelong learner. I work in schools and always talk the talk about immersing yourself in your education: now is the chance to walk the walk (and sleep the sleep)! Being the museum’s roommate will strengthen my understanding of science, technology, history and most importantly people."

MSI Judges’ Thoughts

Motoko is a burst of sunshine in human form who exudes a passion for life. A mother and an educator, Motoko loves science, learning and MSI. She is a lifetime learner with two bachelor’s degrees and is working towards her master’s. After spending seven years in a classroom, she’s recently on sabbatical from her job as a school administrator. Free time is spent helping her 13-year-old son make cool stop-motion animation LEGO movies; coaching lacrosse to middle-school students; and embracing new challenges, like her new hobby of running. She has an enthusiasm that kids and adults find infectious.

If she wins, Motoko would showcase everything MSI has to offer, spotlighting our unique exhibits, stories, staff and guests. She is overflowing with creative ideas and angles to tell the MSI story (seriously, she brought us a list and we had to cut her off) and ways to engage MSI guests and followers online.