Maeve Ireland, Customer Service Representative

MUSEUM STAFF SPOTLIGHT

For Maeve Ireland, joining the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science team feels a little like coming home.

A lifelong nature lover and Mississippi native, Maeve grew up visiting the Museum and now helps create memorable experiences for guests every day.

Her favorite part of the job? Seeing children's excitement when they discover the Museum's snakes, alligators, and other amazing animals. Whether she is welcoming a school group, assisting a family on their first visit, or chatting with a young snake enthusiast eager to share a fun fact, Maeve loves seeing curiosity come to life.

Get to know Maeve and learn why she believes museums play an important role in conservation by connecting people with nature and inspiring them to protect it.

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

I joined the visitors services team at the museum on May 15, 2026.

WHAT’S YOUR WORKDAY LIKE?

I start off every morning at our beautiful new front desk. I open the front desk, turn on the ‘About the Museum’ video in the theater, and prepare to greet the guests that visit throughout the day.

The rest of the day can vary with the schedule. When school is in session, we get many school groups during the week and families on the weekends, so there’s rarely a quiet day at the museum.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION

I was born and raised in Mississippi. I remember school trips and weekend excursions to the Natural Science Museum while I was growing up.

Instead of cartoons, I would always choose to put on Animal Planet or the Discovery Channel. I have always loved animals growing up, even the scaly ones. I had leopard geckos and a corn snake. My childhood dream was to work with alligators.

I spent 5 years at Mississippi State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and being a part of the Famous Maroon Band. However, I have since decided on a 180 and am going to the University of Southern Mississippi for a degree in library science and technology.

I spend my time outside of work and school with my dog, Rusty. We like to go to parks and on hikes. If I am going on an adventure, he’s my permanent copilot. I also enjoy baking and reading, you will never catch me out of the house without a book.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER?

I have always loved nature and this museum, so being able to wake up and come to work here is a dream come true. I meet so many amazing and interesting people throughout the day, not to mention all the animals that call this museum their home.

My favorite part of the day is when a child comes in, and they are so excited that we have snakes or alligators. They aren’t the least bit scared and usually have a fun fact or two for me. Seeing children, not scared of them, but excited to see them and learn more about them, is always a joy.

HOW DOES YOUR JOB CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION?

The revenue that The Dragonfly Gift Shop collects goes towards the conservation efforts of the museum. We do our part in conservation by exposing people to the wildlife of Mississippi in a safe and educational environment that also fosters curiosity about the natural world around them and why protecting that world is important.

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

My biggest bit of advice would be to volunteer, especially at the museum! We have such an amazing volunteer program that would allow you so many opportunities to interact and learn about wildlife.