ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Dr. Cynthia Liutkus is featured in the Asheville Museum of Science's (AMOS) WORK! WNC Women in STEAM, a new temporary and traveling exhibit celebrating women advancing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics throughout Western North Carolina.
Liutkus, chair of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, is recognized for her work as a paleoenvironmental scientist. She reconstructs ancient environments using sedimentological and geochemical tools, including lake sediments, paleosols, and soil carbonates. Her research spans the United States and Eastern and Southern Africa, has been published in Geology, Nature, and Scientific Reports, and was even the focus of a documentary film.
The exhibit also features:
Lea Buda, Physician/Dancer, Asheville
Jennifer Bauer, Engineering Geologist, Asheville
Desiree Conrad, MRI and X-Ray Technologist, Sylva
Jenny Dissen, Community Engagement, Asheville
Lei Han, New Media Artist, Asheville
Alisa Hove, Botanist, Swannanoa
Samantha Kegley, Photovoltaic Designer, Asheville
Elizabeth Sanchez, Painting Conservator, Asheville
Keyana Thomas, Astronomer, Asheville
Through personal stories, hands-on activities, and interactive exhibit elements, visitors will learn about these women's careers, contributions, challenges, and the different paths that led them into STEAM fields.
As an active part of the region's STEM ecosystem, AMOS created WORK! to connect visitors with local leaders who reflect the communities and lived experiences of women working in rural Appalachia. The exhibit will help young people understand that STEAM careers exist in their own communities and that there are many different ways to build a future in these fields.
"WORK! presented such a great opportunity for us to highlight just how unique our region is when it comes to the types of work people are doing here, and how people got into those jobs," said Alex Morrison, AMOS Exhibits Manager. "We hope that visitors, especially younger people, can read more about these remarkable women and see that STEAM pathways don't have to just be in a lab or engineering plant—they're also in our forests, our creative spaces, and our art studios."
Following its initial presentation at AMOS, WORK! will become a traveling exhibit available to libraries in six partner counties across Western North Carolina. This traveling model will help bring interactive science learning and career exploration directly to communities that may face barriers to visiting the museum in Asheville.
"This exhibit represents an exciting new chapter for AMOS," said Amanda Bryant, AMOS Executive Director. "We are expanding our role in larger-scale exhibit fabrication, regional community engagement, and meaningful storytelling. WORK! is also an investment in our region's future workforce. We know that if young people can see it, they can believe they can be it. By introducing young people to women who are already leading and innovating in their own communities, we are helping them see STEAM careers as real, achievable pathways for their own futures."
WORK! is designed to engage visitors of all ages, with opportunities to explore how STEAM skills are used in real careers and everyday life. The exhibit celebrates not only professional achievements, but also the curiosity, persistence, creativity, and problem‑solving that help people build meaningful careers.
By sharing these local stories, AMOS hopes to broaden perceptions of who belongs in STEAM and inspire our community — particularly girls and young women — to recognize their own potential as scientists, engineers, artists, technologists, mathematicians, innovators, and community leaders.
WORK! WNC Women in STEAM was made possible through generous grant support from ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers), the If/Then Champions Networks, and Duke Energy. Their investments are helping AMOS expand access to interactive STEAM learning and share the stories of women shaping Western North Carolina.
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About the Asheville Museum of Science
The Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) is Western North Carolina’s home for experiential science learning, discovery, and exploration. AMOS strives to spark the imagination and foster lifelong curiosity. AMOS is a growing local science museum with interactive, hands-on exhibits for science lovers of all ages. Learn more about AMOS
About the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Located in Western North Carolina, Appalachian State University provides the perfect setting to study geological and environmental sciences. The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences (GES) provides students with a solid foundation on which to prepare for graduate school or build successful careers as scientists, consultants, and secondary education teachers. The department offers six degree options in geology and two degree options in environmental science. Learn more about GES
Educational museum exhibit honoring paleoenvironÂmental scientist Cynthia Liutikus, with fossil displays, an information panel, and interactive activities.
Appalachian State University's Dr. Cynthia Liutkus is featured in the Asheville Museum of Science's (AMOS) WORK! WNC Women in STEAM, a new temporary and traveling exhibit celebrating women advancing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics throughout Western North Carolina. Photo by AMOS