Joslyn Sperry Completes Experiential Learning Project at SUNY Oneonta

Joslyn Sperry, of Norwalk, IA, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Historic Baking & Cooking Workshop: Development of 2026 Programming" at SUNY Oneonta.

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to be the Living History intern at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, WI. My internship project centered around the implementation of the summer 2025 Historic Cooking Workshop for the public and researching, planning, budgeting, and training for a new Historic Cooking Workshop for summer 2026," said Sperry, who is studying Museum Studies.

"This document will be used as the handout for visitors who pay to participate in the summer 2026 Historic Baking and Cooking Workshop at Old World Wisconsin. It includes a short schedule, recipes, a short passage to give context to the recipes, and an heirloom measurement chart.

"This summer, I taught the five offered sessions of the Historic Baking and Cooking Workshop at Old World Wisconsin. In addition, I used past resources for these sessions and other programming to develop the materials and lesson plan for next summer's workshop. I also had the amazing opportunity to share my knowledge of the past on property as a historic interpreter in various sites. This gave me the chance to learn about historic textile production by dyeing and mordanting wool yarn, spinning wool into yarn, and weaving on an antique German floor loom.

"Over the summer, I learned what makes a successful hands on education program through teaching the cooking workshops. Through observing and researching the target markets of Old World Wisconsin, I was able to tailor the development of next summer's workshop to these audiences. In addition, I observed the methods of managing a museum across a large property at OWW and the benefits and challenges of being part of a larger state organization. All of this and more will help me moving forward in my career in the living history field and has helped me to develop valuable connections to continue to guide me through my future."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/Joslyn-Sperry-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project-at-SUNY-Oneonta/198976