Sheila Smith brings over 30 years of experience in Mississippi public schools as a science teacher and district administrator. A passionate advocate for science education, she has led multi-million-dollar grants, served as president of the Mississippi Science Teaching Association, and held leadership roles with the National Science Teaching Association and National Biology Teachers Association. Throughout her career, Sheila has earned numerous prestigious awards, including fellowships with Princeton University, National Geographic, and Fulbright Japan. Her dedication to advancing science education continues through her work with curriculum development and assessment initiatives nationwide. Read more …
Christian Patterson, MMNSF Board Member
Meet Christian Patterson, MMNSF Board Member, a dedicated public affairs and leadership professional whose career spans over three decades of military service and community engagement. Currently the 12th Commander, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) headquartered in Vicksburg, Christian brings a wealth of leadership, strategic communication expertise, and a passion for mentorship to our Foundation. Read more …
Museum Staff Spotlight: Judith Edele, Facilities Rental Manager
Meet Judith Edele, the Museum’s go-to expert for facility rentals! Whether she’s coordinating an exhibit premiere party, ensuring a seamless gala, or spending the night at the Museum for a Scout Sleepover, she’s making magic happen behind the scenes. With a background in event planning, a master’s degree in Business and Organizational Leadership, and a lifelong love of nature, she’s passionate about creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors.
Read more about her journey and how she’s connecting people to conservation in unexpected ways in our latest Staff Spotlight!
Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, Morgan developed a deep love for the outdoors, hunting, and exploring nature. With a background in elementary education and nearly 15 years of teaching experience, she’s now bringing her passion for learning outside the classroom and into the Museum.
Get to know more about Morgan’s journey, her love for nature (and classic literature!), and the unexpected moments that make her job unforgettable in our latest Staff Spotlight!
Museum Staff Spotlight: Morgan Taylor, Conservation Educator
Some educators teach in classrooms, but Morgan Taylor brings learning to life in the wildest way possible! As a Conservation Educator, Morgan spends her days caring for animals, leading hands-on programs, and making science fun for kids of all ages. Whether she’s introducing students to fascinating creatures, answering visitors' questions, or caring for animals, she approaches each day with humor and enthusiasm.
Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, Morgan developed a deep love for the outdoors, hunting, and exploring nature. With a background in elementary education and nearly 15 years of teaching experience, she’s now bringing her passion for learning outside the classroom and into the Museum.
Get to know more about Morgan’s journey, her love for nature (and classic literature!), and the unexpected moments that make her job unforgettable in our latest Staff Spotlight!
MindBender Mansion Party!
The Mindbender Mansion Premiere Party on January 17 was an unforgettable evening filled with puzzles, laughter, and a little detective work!
Over 300 Museum Foundation Members joined us for this special sneak peek of the Mindbender Mansion exhibit, enjoying delicious food, interactive challenges, and an exciting "whodunit" caper that had the whole room guessing.
Museum Staff Spotlight: Cary L. Spence, CCM, Community Relations Director
Meet Cary Spence, our Community Relations Director! With a background in hospitality and a lifelong love for the outdoors, Cary brings his passion for connecting people to the wonders of Mississippi’s natural world. From engaging visitors to promoting conservation, he’s all about making the Museum a welcoming, inspiring place. Learn more in our latest Staff Spotlight!
Museum Staff Spotlight: Zoe Mabry, Environmental Resources Technician
When it comes to rolling up her sleeves and diving into Mississippi’s wild side, Zoe Mabry, our Environmental Resources Technician, is always up for the adventure! Whether she’s setting nets for turtles, organizing the Museum’s natural history collection, or searching for critters on field surveys, Zoe brings passion and curiosity to everything she does.
Want to know more about Zoe’s journey, her hands-on work in the field, and her commitment to protecting the natural world? Check out her inspiring story in our latest Staff Spotlight blog post.
J.T. Mitchell, MMNSF Board Member
Meet J.T. Mitchell, MMNSF Board Member
A native of Jackson, the Museum holds a special place in J.T.’s heart as he not only grew up visiting but has continued to support the Museum by taking friends and family any chance he gets. He’s thrilled to have another outlet to help MMNS and its mission! J.T.’s "must-see" at the Museum: Jefferson’s Ground Sloth. Read more …
Museum Staff Spotlight: Ricki Moore, Conservation Educator
Meet Ricki Moore, our newest Conservation Educator! Ricki brings a passion for wildlife and a knack for making conservation fun and engaging. Whether she's leading programs on reptiles or endangered species, taking care of the museum's animal ambassadors, or sharing conservation tips with visitors, Ricki is always ready for the next adventure. And yes, there was that one time an Indigo Snake decided to go inside her shirt during a presentation!
Get to know more about Ricki's journey and her dedication to protecting Mississippi's natural wonders in our latest blog post.
Member Appreciation Night: a Mammoth-Sized Success!
Member Appreciation Night Was a Mammoth-Sized Success! Our recent Member Appreciation Night was one for the history books - or should we say the prehistoric books! A huge thank you to our incredible MMNSF Members, Board, and volunteers, and to the Museum’s volunteers, partners, and staff for making it an unforgettable evening filled with fun, fossils, and fantastic food.