By Deji Suolang, MPSDS PhD Candidate

A team of students from the Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science (MPSDS) and the Department of Biostatistics designed a new Visitor Experience Survey for the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan. Led by Deji Suolang, the team included Anne Cohen, Felix Baez-Santiago, Jennifer Guo, Thejasvi Dhanireddy, and Jiatong Liang. Professor Mike Elliott provided faculty support throughout the process.

Now live at the museum entrance, the web-based survey asks visitors about their experiences, levels of engagement with exhibits, and a range of needs. By collecting this feedback, the museum can evaluate how exhibits resonate with audiences, identify areas for improvement, and guide future exhibitions. The goal is to generate actionable data that will enhance visitor satisfaction and strengthen the museum’s ability to serve its community.

The project was carried out in partnership with STATCOM (Statistics in the Community), which connected the museum with the student team. The collaboration highlights how students can apply their technical expertise and teamwork skills to make real-world contributions while supporting community partners in meaningful ways.