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For Guadelupe Alvarez, curiosity is at the core of everything she does. Whether she’s welcoming visitors to The Discovery, communicating scientific research, or imagining the future of museums, curiosity has guided every step of her journey. When Lupe was deciding where to work, her choice came down to two museums: The Discovery and the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City.
With an academic background in anthropology and archaeology and a growing interest in science communication, she knew that working in a museum would be a natural fit. Ultimately, The Discovery offered Lupe the opportunity to combine her interests in science, storytelling, and connecting with the public.
Nearly a year later, she’s helping create the welcoming environment that first drew her to The Discovery.
As a Visitor Services Representative, Lupe greets weekend visitors, introduces them to the museum, answers questions, sells admission tickets, and helps families make the most of their experience. She also works special events, where she gets to see the museum transform into something entirely new.
One of her favorite events is Social Science, The Discovery’s adults-only science series.
“I love to see people experience the museum in new ways,” Lupe said.
She also enjoys the energy that fills the building during Camp Discovery, especially the morning dance parties that help campers and Camp Educators begin their days with music, movement, and plenty of enthusiasm.
For Lupe, these moments demonstrate that learning doesn’t have to be formal or intimidating. Science can happen through an exhibit, a conversation, a film—or even a dance party.
Finding Her Place in Science Communication
Lupe’s path to The Discovery began with a desire to understand people and the stories they leave behind. She earned undergraduate degrees in anthropology and archaeology from the University of Nevada, Reno, along with a minor in Latinx studies. She is now continuing her education as a graduate student at UNR’s Reynolds School of Journalism.
During the final semester of her undergraduate program, Lupe worked at the Desert Research Institute as a science writer. She describes it as her first “big-girl job.”
Working alongside professional scientists was intimidating at first. As she settled into the position, however, Lupe realized that scientists weren’t unapproachable figures working in a separate world.
“They are just like us,” she said.
The greater challenge was learning how to translate complicated research into stories that people without scientific backgrounds could understand and appreciate. At first, science writing was difficult. Then Lupe enrolled in a science communication course, and everything began to come together.
She discovered that science communication isn’t just about simplifying complex ideas. It’s about helping people understand why research matters and how it connects to their own lives.
That realization led Lupe to the Reynolds School of Journalism’s Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science, where students and scientists learn to communicate research through engaging visual storytelling.
Her journey came full circle when she presented with the Hitchcock Project at Science Distilled, The Discovery’s lecture and discussion series. This time, Lupe wasn’t just welcoming guests into the museum—she was helping bring science directly to them.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Lupe hopes to see The Discovery continue to expand and grow.
“There is so much cool science going on in the world,” she said.
One addition she would especially love to see is an indoor theater where The Discovery could screen immersive science films. From journeys beneath the ocean to expeditions through space, she believes film can transport audiences into worlds they might never otherwise experience—another way museums can inspire people to ask questions, explore ideas and discover something unexpected.
And her advice for everyone who walks through The Discovery’s doors?
“Be curious. Be kind. Be courageous.”
At The Discovery, Lupe hopes every visitor leaves inspired to do all three.