Jorene Evans, Conservation Educator
Whether she’s helping to create innovative virtual programs or wearing a turkey costume - Jorene is a vital member of the museum’s conservation education team!
Read on to get to know Jorene better.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE MUSEUM?
I’ve worked for the museum for 1 year and 2 months.
WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?
Our days vary. Typically, I would teach educational programs to groups before lunch, and offer a few animal encounters to visitors between the programs. Now that the pandemic has affected everyone, we spend days finding innovative ways to overcome the virtual learning gap with teachers and parents.
ANY FUNNY WORK STORIES?
We had a “Soup”er Bowl party and many staff members brought homemade soups that we judged.
During the party, another coworker and I disappeared and put “out of order” signs on all the staff restrooms. We let a supervisor know what was happening and we went back to the party.
We watched our coworkers panic about why all of the staff restrooms were out of order! This was the best prank by far that I have pulled. To be quite honest though, everyday something unique or funny happens.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION
I grew up in Clinton, MS and went to Clinton Public Schools. Upon graduation, I attended Hinds Community College in Utica, which I graduated from in 2017. I spent two semesters studying at Mississippi University for Women, but transferred the next summer to Jackson State University and graduated with my class in May of 2019 with a Bachelor of Science - even after having my son, Liam, in January.
I now enjoy my days watching Liam ride horses or the goats. He’s only one but he has the spirit of a 42 year old man.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
This career actually chose me. I was working as a zookeeper, but I was definitely looking for another job. The job I was looking for was more in the veterinary medicine field, though. I received a call from an advisor one day, and she stated, “I need you to send me your resume as quickly as possible.” I was at work and I could not really ask questions, so I was just like “Ok”. Long story short, I met with Andrea, Angel, and Charles and here I am one year later.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?
As an educator, everything I work towards ultimately is teaching someone about how to contribute to conserving our wildlife. Many environments have been polluted and destroyed because of our mishandling or developing and it is ultimately our job to stop the problem(s).
(Pre-covid)
ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN A BIOLOGY OR MUSEUM CAREER?
Start volunteering now!! Most biology entities do have age limits, but once you are old enough to volunteer go for it! Some places even have summer positions for interns and students who just want to learn about the field. It is a great start to networking in your desired field, which opens many education and career opportunities.
