Have you met Kaylee on a Museum visit or maybe in the gift shop? When asked why she chose this career, Kaylee says, “I've always loved nature and museums, so I wanted to spend my time in a museum any way that I could!”.

Get to know her better in this interview and learn more about what she does as an important part of the Museum’s frontline team!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR MDWFP’S MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE?

A little over a year and a half.

WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?

Sometimes, I work in the gatehouse out by the LeFleur’s Bluff Playground, giving directions and making sure guests know where they need to go. Mostly, I work in The Dragonly gift shop, though, so I sell tickets to the Museum, keep the gift shop clean, and create toy displays.

ANY FUNNY WORK STORIES?

Sometimes, critters from outside make their way inside the Museum. One time, there was a ribbon snake in the lobby and it got everyone in the gift shop’s attention! It was completely harmless, and we got it out quickly, but seeing everyone's faces was priceless.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION

I grew up in a little town called Polkville in Smith County, Mississippi which is where I developed my love of nature. I moved to the Jackson metro about 6 years ago and have been living here ever since! I'm currently at Holmes Community College majoring in history and spend my free time crocheting.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?

I've always loved nature and museums, so I wanted to spend my time in a museum any way that I could!

HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?

Tickets to the Museum and sales from the gift shop help fund conservation research all over the state.

ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN A BIOLOGY OR MUSEUM CAREER?

Find your niche! Whether it's getting a biology degree and working in research or getting a job selling tickets. There are lots of different kinds of jobs in museums and they're all needed!

Volunteering is also a great way to get your foot in the door.