Museum Volunteer Javonne Marshall loves paleontology and became a volunteer to explore her interest in the subject. Do you love fossils, too? Be sure to say hello to Javonne the next time you’re at the museum!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU VOLUNTEERED AT THE MUSEUM?

It’s been almost two years now.

WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL VOLUNTEER WORKDAY LIKE?

My volunteer days are easy-going. I usually set up an educational cart to teach science lessons to guests. Sometimes, I’ll oversee the preschool room. I also help visitors with directions and answer their questions about the museum.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CAREER / WORK HISTORY

I worked at Kroger for three years as an associate and then as a bakery clerk.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND IN SCIENCE?

I’ve always had a love for science. When I was little, whenever someone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was always a paleontologist!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO VOLUNTEER AT THE MUSEUM?

I started volunteering because I of my interest in paleontology and I wanted learn more.

ARE YOU AN “ANIMAL PERSON”?

I do consider myself an animal person. I’ve always loved learning about and working with animals! That’s another reason volunteering at the museum has been great for me.

DO YOU ENJOY THE OUTDOORS?

I do enjoy the outdoors and I think that the LeFleur’s Bluff nature trails behind the museum are gorgeous.

HOW HAS VOLUNTEERING AT THE MUSEUM AFFECTED YOU?

Working in the Natural Science Museum helps to illustrate how we’re all connected by the natural world around us, so I think the museum has had a very positive effect on me. Since I’ve started volunteering, I’ve found myself being more friendly to strangers and helping more people during my day-to-day activities.

HAVE YOU WORKED IN AN AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION BEFORE?

Not before volunteering at the museum.

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO BECOME AN MMNS VOLUNTEER?

I would and I do encourage others to volunteer at the museum! I think it’s very fulfilling, extremely fun, and a wonderful learning experience. It’s had a positive effect on my life and if you’re curious about the natural world, it can have a great impact on you, too!