Carolina Mesquita Rocha
Master of Archival Studies and Master of Library and Information Studies
2024/25 iSchool Co-op Student of the Year
Carolina (Carol) Rocha made an exceptional contribution during her work term with the Dawson City Museum, playing a significant role as the only trained archivist on staff in support of the museum’s mission to steward the Tr’ondëk-Klondike region’s documentary heritage.
Carol relocated to the Yukon for her four-month work term to carry out accessioning, digitization, cataloguing and conservation duties, in support of public access to the Klondike History Library & Archives at the Museum. Leveraging her iSchool coursework, along with skills acquired during her previous part-time work with the UBC Archives, Carol also developed a Checklist for Book Processing and Initial Condition Assessment that is now used as a publicly available preservation resource through the Yukon Council of Archives.
During her work term, Carol significantly improved the efficiency of archival operations, demonstrating remarkable initiative and technical skills by resolving several long-standing processing backlogs and identifying functional issues in the museum’s collections management system. A major highlight was her creation of a new museum exhibit on Gold Rush theatre that she both researched and designed, in collaboration with local subject experts. Carol’s exhibit added vibrancy and historical depth to an underutilized gallery space and was praised by museum visitors for being engaging and informative.
Angharad Wenz, the Museum’s Executive Director and Curator, noted that Carol’s contributions were “invaluable,” especially given the institution’s limited size and capacity. She emphasized Carol’s enthusiasm, creativity, and deep respect for the communities represented in the collection, noting how her work has strengthened the institution for years to come.
Career Goals
After her co-op term at the Dawson City Museum, Carol renewed her efforts to be involved in student life on campus, joining the iSchool’s Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF) project and being elected to serve on the executive board of the Association of Canadian Archivists’ UBC student chapter.
Looking ahead, Carol hopes to expand her professional experience through co-op, with a particular interest in practical library work. She is committed to promoting the iSchool Co-op Program and supporting work terms in under-resourced communities like Dawson City. Carol also hopes to pursue diverse learning opportunities across academic and public institutions, including non-profit and conservation-focused roles.
About the UBC Arts Co-op Student of the Year Award
The annual award recognizes outstanding achievement in all aspects of the UBC Arts Co-op student’s performance, including academic achievement, job achievement/employer evaluation, personal statement, contribution to co-operative education, and contribution to extra-curricular activities.
Carolina Mesquita Rocha
Master of Archival Studies and Master of Library and Information Studies
2024/25 iSchool Co-op Student of the Year
Carolina (Carol) Rocha made an exceptional contribution during her work term with the Dawson City Museum, playing a significant role as the only trained archivist on staff in support of the museum’s mission to steward the Tr’ondëk-Klondike region’s documentary heritage.
Carol relocated to the Yukon for her four-month work term to carry out accessioning, digitization, cataloguing and conservation duties, in support of public access to the Klondike History Library & Archives at the Museum. Leveraging her iSchool coursework, along with skills acquired during her previous part-time work with the UBC Archives, Carol also developed a Checklist for Book Processing and Initial Condition Assessment that is now used as a publicly available preservation resource through the Yukon Council of Archives.
During her work term, Carol significantly improved the efficiency of archival operations, demonstrating remarkable initiative and technical skills by resolving several long-standing processing backlogs and identifying functional issues in the museum’s collections management system. A major highlight was her creation of a new museum exhibit on Gold Rush theatre that she both researched and designed, in collaboration with local subject experts. Carol’s exhibit added vibrancy and historical depth to an underutilized gallery space and was praised by museum visitors for being engaging and informative.
Angharad Wenz, the Museum’s Executive Director and Curator, noted that Carol’s contributions were “invaluable,” especially given the institution’s limited size and capacity. She emphasized Carol’s enthusiasm, creativity, and deep respect for the communities represented in the collection, noting how her work has strengthened the institution for years to come.
Career Goals
After her co-op term at the Dawson City Museum, Carol renewed her efforts to be involved in student life on campus, joining the iSchool’s Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF) project and being elected to serve on the executive board of the Association of Canadian Archivists’ UBC student chapter.
Looking ahead, Carol hopes to expand her professional experience through co-op, with a particular interest in practical library work. She is committed to promoting the iSchool Co-op Program and supporting work terms in under-resourced communities like Dawson City. Carol also hopes to pursue diverse learning opportunities across academic and public institutions, including non-profit and conservation-focused roles.
About the UBC Arts Co-op Student of the Year Award
The annual award recognizes outstanding achievement in all aspects of the UBC Arts Co-op student’s performance, including academic achievement, job achievement/employer evaluation, personal statement, contribution to co-operative education, and contribution to extra-curricular activities.