Katie’s smile and enthusiasm make her a vital part of the museum’s education team! Katie ignites a passion for the natural world in our museum guests. Read on to get to know Katie better.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE MUSEUM?
A little over a year. I began on July 1, 2021.
WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?
Every day is a bit different from the next, which I love!
I usually begin by checking in on the museum’s animal ambassadors and then preparing for any educational programs, teacher workshops, or events that the week might hold.
I love collaborating with the rest of the education team throughout the day to develop activities and programs that are geared toward conservation awareness, and of course, introducing our animal ambassadors to museum guests is always one of the highlights of my day.
ANY FUNNY WORK STORIES?
My first big event was Snake Day 2021. I was teaching guests about rat snakes and was holding our corn (red rat) snake, Maisy. My hair was back in a low braid and as I was talking with guests, I felt something on the back of my head. I quickly realized that Maisy had woven herself in and out of my braid and was now stuck in my hair. Trying not to draw too much attention to my predicament (although I saw a few pictures being snapped), I had to let my hair down and pull her out. I wish I could say this was the last time Maisy and I got ourselves in this predicament, but …
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION
I grew up in Peachtree City, GA. After attending the University of Georgia, I had the privilege of participating in an internship with the National Park Service. My experience at Chattahoochee River NRA made me realize my love for teaching and sharing my passion for the natural world with people of all ages.
After attending graduate school at Western Carolina University, I began teaching middle grades science.
My husband’s job as a wildlife biologist brought us to Gulfport, MS, where I was able to assist with his herpetological fieldwork during my summers off from teaching. After relocating to Florida, my family made the decision to return to Mississippi in order to continue conservation work.
My husband and I love spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and looking for cool critters to photograph with our daughter and son!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?
This career combines two of my greatest joys – teaching and conservation. I get to bring awareness to Mississippi wildlife, participate in meaningful conservation efforts, and work alongside some of the state’s greatest biologists and conservationists. It is truly my dream job!
HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION & EDUCATION?
I get to share the importance of conserving our state’s resources with children and adults alike through educational programs and interactions with animal ambassadors. I work to encourage those I’m teaching to make meaningful connections to our resources and gain a better understanding of how to conserve them.
ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN A BIOLOGY OR MUSEUM CAREER?
If you are able to volunteer, it is a wonderful way to get your foot in the door and begin making connections! Also, if you have any questions about conservation-related careers, ask away! The biologists and educators at the museum are always willing to share information that could help point future conservationists in the right direction.
