Museum Volunteer Spotlight: Javonne Marshall

Museum Volunteer Javonne Marshall

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!

Museum Volunteer Spotlight: Iain Brumley

Museum Volunteer Iain Brumley

Have you met our newest volunteer, Iain Brumley? Iain started volunteering earlier this summer. Say hello to him the next time you’re doing the fossil scavenger hunt!

WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL VOLUNTEER WORKDAY LIKE?

I arrive at 9 a.m. to sign in and set up my station with educational materials. I work near the fossil wall, managing the fossil scavenger hunt. School groups and lots of kids come through starting mid-morning and I get to talk to them about dinosaurs and fossils - my favorite! I head home around 1 p.m. 

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CAREER / WORK HISTORY

I was a camp counselor for two years, so I have experience with kids of most ages. I also worked with Halfacre Engineering as an assistant to the engineer and an assistant home inspector in preparation for my time at MSU studying architecture.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND IN SCIENCE?

I don't really have much of a formal scientific background, but my insatiable thirst for knowledge won't let me rest without researching whatever it is that's on my mind. So, I like to think I've attained a nebulous, but extensive, knowledge on a little bit of everything! 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO VOLUNTEER AT THE MUSEUM?

I heard great things from other volunteers, and so I figured it would be a good experience. Since I love working with kids and have an inquisitive mind, it just seemed like a great fit!

HAVE YOU WORKED IN AN AREA OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION BEFORE?

Not at all! But the great thing about volunteering here is that the museum has a qualified and friendly staff who are more than happy to show you the ropes.

ARE YOU AN “ANIMAL PERSON”? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ANIMAL?

I love animals! I'm a fan of all critters big and small, but I have a particular attraction towards birds. 

DO YOU ENJOY THE OUTDOORS? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE NATURAL AREA?

Honestly, I would consider myself an indoor person, but I definitely appreciate the outdoors. I do camp often and go on such trips every chance I get. But personally, I am always excited to get back into the A/C!

HOW HAS VOLUNTEERING AT THE MUSEUM AFFECTED YOU?

I love working here. I’ve learned just how much I love teaching the younger crowd things that I’m passionate about! It definitely brings a smile to my face every time I come in.

WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO BECOME AN MMNS VOLUNTEER?

If you like working with kids or enjoy learning about science, you would LOVE the museum. It's truly a rewarding experience!

Museum Volunteer Spotlight: Jasmine Bennett

Jasmine has been a valuable member of our volunteer team since July 2020. She just finished her sophomore year at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School where she’s on the tennis team, in the Environmental Club, and recently completed a Graphic Design course. 

WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL VOLUNTEER WORKDAY LIKE?

I mainly volunteer on Saturdays. Usually, I greet guests as they enter the museum, but sometimes I help the education program with animal care!

ANY FUNNY STORIES?

Another volunteer and I were cleaning up the trail - and we almost ran into multiple spiders! That was probably the fastest I’ve run in a while. 

WHY DID YOUR CHOOSE TO VOLUNTEER AT THE MUSEUM?

My friend recommended the museum to me when I was wondering about getting service hours for school. I ended up really enjoying it and found out volunteering here is a way I could get the experience of working.

I also loved coming to this museum when I was younger and volunteering here gives me a good deal of nostalgia!

HOW DOES YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK CONTRIBUTE TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION?

Volunteering at the museum has helps me learn and to educate people about wildlife and how important it is to care about the environment.

ARE YOU AN “ANIMAL PERSON”? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ANIMAL?

I would consider myself an animal person - considering I have four dogs and had two frogs!

I have so many favorite animals that it is hard to pick one, but I would say some of my favorite animals are snails.

DO YOU ENJOY THE OUTDOORS? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE NATURAL AREA (park, wildlife refuge, hiking trail)?

Yes, I enjoy the outdoors!

However, I haven’t been to many natural areas except for the MS Petrified Forest - which had a pretty trail.

I usually just enjoy walking around in my backyard or in my neighborhood. 

ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT THE MUSEUM?

I would say definitely volunteer; and make sure to have fun and do your best.

The people here are amazing, and it’s a great way to gain work experience and service hours.

It’s also really great if you are an animal lover!

Museum Volunteer Spotlight: Anna Everly

Anna is an animal lover and has been a valuable museum volunteer for the past 10 months! She’s a sophomore at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School where she plays tennis and sings in the Choir.

WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL VOLUNTEER WORKDAY LIKE?

I usually come in at 9 a.m. and greet people at the front door. Sometimes, I work in the gift shop or with the animals in the education program.

ANY NEAT VOLUNTEER STORIES?

I got to help one of the staff with a tour group - and I had the opportunity to hold a falcon, which was pretty exciting!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO VOLUNTEER AT THE MUSEUM?

I love animals! I thought that volunteering would be good experience for what having a job would be like - and also a way to be able to get involved with cool animals.

HOW DOES YOUR VOLUNTEER WORK CONTRIBUTE TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION?

Working at the museum helps to educate others about the importance of conserving wildlife and natural habitats.

ARE YOU AN ANIMAL PERSON / DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Yes, I am very much so an animal person. I love all animals, but my favorite would have to be horses because I really enjoy horseback riding.

DO YOU ENJOY THE OUTDOORS? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE NATURAL AREA?

I love the outdoors, and my favorite local natural area is probably Mayes Lake because the trails are so pretty.

ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT THE MUSEUM?

If you’re thinking about volunteering, go for it! There’s nothing to be afraid of, and just remember to be open to all possibilities.

To learn more about the museum’s Volunteer Program, or to apply, please visit: http://www.mdwfp.com/museum/see-visit/volunteer/.