Samantha Kohler
About Samantha Kohler
Samantha Kohler is an Archives Assistant at LAIKA, LLC, with a diverse background in archiving and framing. She holds two Master's degrees in Business Administration and Museology from John F. Kennedy University and has worked at notable institutions including Pixar Animation Studios and the U.S. Army MWR.
Current Role at LAIKA
Samantha Kohler serves as an Archives Assistant at LAIKA, LLC, located in Hillsboro, Oregon. She has held this position since 2021, contributing to the organization’s archival efforts. In her role, she is responsible for managing and preserving the company's historical records and materials, ensuring that important information is accessible for future projects and research.
Previous Experience at Pixar Animation Studios
Prior to her current role, Samantha Kohler worked at Pixar Animation Studios in various capacities. She started as an Archives Intern in 2017 for six months, where she gained foundational experience in archival practices. She then transitioned to a part-time position as Assistant Archivist from 2017 to 2019, followed by a role as Exhibitions Archivist from 2019 to 2021. In these positions, she focused on display and processing of archival materials, contributing to the preservation of Pixar's legacy.
Work History in Custom Framing
Samantha Kohler began her career in custom framing, working at U.S. Army MWR as a Custom Picture Framer & Engraver from 2012 to 2014 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She then continued in this field as a Framing Associate at The Framer's Workshop in Berkeley, California, from 2014 to 2019. These roles provided her with hands-on experience in craftsmanship and customer service within the framing industry.
Educational Background
Samantha Kohler has a strong educational background in both business and museum studies. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Art History from Penn State University, completing her studies from 2008 to 2012. She furthered her education at John F. Kennedy University, where she obtained two Master's degrees in Business Administration and Management, and Museology/Museum Studies, from 2014 to 2018.
Internship Experience
In addition to her professional roles, Samantha Kohler gained valuable experience through internships. She worked as an Education Center Intern at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in 2011 for three months. This role allowed her to develop skills in educational programming and archival research. Her internship at Pixar Animation Studios in 2017 further solidified her interest in archival work within the animation industry.