Dr Marenka Thompson-Odlum

Marenka Thompson-Odlum is Research Curator (Critical Perspectives) at the Pitt Rivers Museum.

Marenka's doctoral research in history at the University of Glasgow explored Glasgow’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade through the material culture housed at Glasgow Museums.  At the Pitt Rivers Museum, Marenka leads a research and curatorial programme of work, including publications, exhibitions and interpretive displays that explore new critical histories and pathways through museum collection, bringing them to new and existing academic and public audiences. Marenka is also leading an ArtFund project to commission new objects for the Museum's collections, build new relationships with indigenous communities, and enhance the museum's displays, and is also Co-I on the AHRC-funded project Making the Museum. In 2024 Marenka curated the exhibition Hawaii: Ma Uka To Ma Kai at the Pitt Rivers Museum, involving numerous collaborations and activities with community partners.