Have you met Brooke Copley, Customer Service Representative, on the Museum’s grounds, in the Dragonfly gift shop, or at the LeFleur’s Bluff Playground? Since childhood, Brooke has regularly visited and explored the Museum! She joined the Museum staff two years ago.
Get to know Brooke better in this interview - and learn more about her important role in keeping our Museum and the Playground safe and beautiful for you to enjoy.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR MDWFP’S MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE?
I have had the pleasure of working here for two years!
WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?
My workday can consist of many things.
I mostly work in our lovely concession stand at our award-winning LeFleur's Bluff Complex. It is very exciting to be a part of this project as it continues to grow!
We have traveled to Buccaneer State Park in Waveland, MS to observe and learn from their concession operation, along with many other adventures. It has been a great learning process as we have worked to reopen the concession stand from its earlier days.
Some days, I help with upkeep on the grounds and the LeFleur’s Bluff Playground.
You may also occasionally find me in the Museum’s Dragonfly gift shop helping organize the shop, sell tickets, and assist as needed.
ANY FUNNY WORK STORIES?
Of course, we always find fun and laughter in our work activities!
One particular occurrence is when I was checking our trails on our gator - the utility vehicle, not the reptile. I was towards the end going uphill and it all of a sudden stopped. Now, I am no mechanic, but I knew that was not good. The engine would not turn over and I was worried I had brought it to the end of its use.
Turns out, I was on enough of a slant with too little gas. After more gas, I managed to give it enough of a push to start it. I'm sure that was a sight to see - me pushing a vehicle a good bit greater than my weight!
More importantly, the lesson learned is to always keep a good amount of gas in your vehicle, and with enough determination, you can do what you put your mind to even if the odds are against you.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION
I have grown up coming to the Museum for the majority of my life - little did I know I would end up working here!
I have seen behind the scenes of this Museum from a young age, learning through the different exhibits and studied species. I have always liked to wander the trails and observe nature and the beauty of it all.
I graduated from Pearl High School in 2022, followed by earning my Associate in Arts Degree at community college in 2023. I am currently working on my bachelor's degree at Mississippi College, majoring in Marketing.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
This job almost seems to have found me.
The new Playground was almost done and this position was opened as the concession stand was going to be reopened. I knew this was a great team to work with so I joined in!
This is a good organization to work with as you have an opportunity to learn and grow every day.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?
The proceeds of the concessions go into our Playground, helping with the maintenance and upkeep. This keeps the LeFleur’s Bluff Education and Tourism Complex a safe, beautiful environment to get kids outside in nature.
ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN A BIOLOGY OR MUSEUM CAREER?
My advice for those interested in a biology or museum career is to look into our intern program!
It is good to gain experience and make friends in the field you are interested in.
Volunteering is also a great option.
