WonderLab museum offers students work, entertainment opportunities

There’s a comfortable haven just west of campus that may go unnoticed by many IU students. It offers educational experiences, unique shopping and often food for a small fee. This place of wonder is literally just that – the WonderLab Museum of Health Science and Technology, more commonly known as the WonderLab.\nNow in the 12th year, the museum offers students opportunities to volunteer, intern or hold work-study positions.\n“We have hundreds, literally hundreds, of IU students who work here,” said marketing director Louise Schlesinger. “Students find that they really like getting off campus and getting to know the community a little better.”\nThe WonderLab Web site lists ways students can get involved with volunteering. In order to volunteer, students must first attend a training session. \n“It’s the WonderLab so of course we offer food. And it’s fun,” Schlesinger said of the training.\nJunior Ashley Risser works at the WonderLab as the visitor services assistant manager and has held the position for about a month. \n“I have really enjoyed my time at the WonderLab so far,” Risser said. “It’s fun to see all of the kids interacting and learning with one another.”\nBeyond working and volunteering, the WonderLab entertains students as visitors as well. After 5 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, general admission drops from $6.50 to $3. On these evenings, the hours of the lab are extended and there is pizza for sale. Schlesinger said this could be a good way to “start the weekend” by doing “something unusual on a date or with a group friends.”\nAnother opportunity for students to embrace the WonderLab is through group access. Schlesinger said that many student groups, such as sororities, fraternities and academic organizations have rented a meeting room, or even the entire museum. By doing so, they are able to have an all-access pass for a period of time to learn about and enjoy the benefits of the WonderLab.\nSchlesinger said group access is “a really great way to get to use the facility,” as it “provides entertainment, there is food on site, it’s centrally located and is still a little off (the) beaten path.”\nSchlesinger said she urges students to access the Web site, WonderLab.org, in order to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities, including the live bat presentation Night Fliers! on Oct. 13.\nThe next WonderLab volunteer training session will be Sept. 20. WonderLab is located at 308 W. Fourth St. and can be reached at 337-1337.