NEWS
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NEWS *
Gabi Guest, Conservation Educator
Whether she’s caring for our animal ambassadors, assisting researchers in the field, or turning a nervous visitor into a newfound snake fan, Gabi Guest’s passion for conservation education shines through in everything she does.
We’re excited to share more about the educator who makes conservation come to life - one question or story at a time!
Museum Staff Spotlight: Nathan Prine, Environmental/Natural Resources Technician
Nathan Prine, Environmental/Natural Resources Technician, brings his lifelong love of wildlife full circle at the Museum. Whether he’s freediving for mussels, cataloging new fish specimens, or prepping for a regional ichthyology conference, Nathan is all-in when it comes to science and conservation. And to think - it all started with visits to the Museum as a kid.
Read how his early curiosity turned into a career he’s proud of, and why he says working with federally threatened and petitioned species is a dream come true.
Museum Staff Spotlight: Tom Mann, Zoologist, MS Natural Heritage Program
For 35 years, Tom Mann, Zoologist with the Mississippi Natural Heritage Program, has been on a mission to protect some of Mississippi’s most unique creatures - from salamanders and snakes to tortoises and rare sandhill plants.
Whether he’s rescuing amphibians on a rainy night, tracking endangered species, or mentoring the next generation of biologists, Tom’s passion for conservation runs deep. In this Staff Spotlight, he shares stories from the field, reflections on a lifetime of science and stewardship, and why he believes protecting nature begins with curiosity and care.
Museum Staff Spotlight: Cory (CJ) Hillard, Southern Biologist
Ever stepped in the wrong spot and ended up soaked? Conservation biologist CJ Hillard has - thanks to a sneaky pond hole during frog surveys! From pond mishaps to protecting endangered species, his work is all about conservation with a splash of adventure.