Where education meets inspiration

Posted on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

Ottawa is home to many museums. For the thousands of tourists and locals who visit each year, this is a chance to learn about science, animals, art, space and other areas of interest.

For Algonquin College students, these museums expand the classroom learning experience. Veterinary Technician students work with large animals at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum; Aircraft Maintenance Technician students work on airplanes at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum; and Applied Museum Studies students assist with collections at the Canada Science and Technology Museum campus.

These partnerships are some of the many links created by Ingenium CEO Christina Tessier, herself an Algonquin College graduate.

Tessier is a fan of the hands-on opportunities learners receive while working collaboratively. “That sweet spot for a student actually working with something that is shared with the public is incredible resume-building,” she said. “They can share that with prospective employers and their families to feel proud of the contributions they’re making.”

Tessier has worked in the cultural and museum space for more than 20 years and been president and CEO of Ingenium since 2018. She credits her time at Algonquin College for providing her with the tools she needed for a successful career.

“Algonquin was absolutely critical to me in forming the ways I think about museums,” she said. “One of my favorite parts about the Applied Museum Studies program was the breadth of it — whether that was exhibition and program development or collections care and conservation…. It was getting into the shops and building artifact mounts and getting our hands dirty.”

She said her training allowed her to fully understand the museum sector. While now in a leadership role, she still maintains the knowledge and experience regarding the ins and outs of her staff positions.

She credits the strong partnership with Algonquin College as a factor for Ingenium’s success.

“Algonquin is a special place. It’s making a difference here, and it is important for our workforce and our local economy.”

Tessier credits the College for not only training new graduates but educating those who require competency building. “There are folks, mid-career, who are reskilling and going through a new program or topping up their skills, so they can continue to grow in their careers.” She said Algonquin College plays an important role because of the partnerships it has with business and with different sectors that are vital to the economy.

Museums play a significant role in a community. Tessier explained that, when you watch a child and see that spark in their eyes when they make a connection to an exhibition or an animal, you never know where that connection can take them.

Tessier is proud of her work. She said visiting children may go on to be future scientists, astronauts or engineers because a museum experience or science centre set them on their path, and that is indeed a special thing to be part of.

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