Blair Jussely, MMNSF Board Member

We’re excited to welcome Blair Jussely to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Board of Directors! Blair brings a strong background in law, tax, and nonprofit compliance, as well as a personal passion for giving back to her community. A practicing attorney and CPA, she’s a Brandon native, a proud mom of two, and now a valued part of the Foundation’s leadership team. Learn more about Blair and her expertise in our latest Board Member Spotlight.

Learn more about Chandler and how she’s already making a difference in our latest blog post.

Chandler Parker MacDonald, MMNSF Board Member

We’re excited to welcome Chandler Parker MacDonald to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Board of Directors! Chandler brings a heartfelt passion for education, community service, and philanthropy. With a background in nonprofit fundraising and a love for science, nature, and hands-on learning, she’s a perfect fit for the Foundation’s mission.

Learn more about Chandler and how she’s already making a difference in our latest blog post.

Micheal King, MMNSF Board Member

We’re excited to welcome Micheal D. King to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Board of Directors! With a rich background in public communication, nonprofit leadership, and digital storytelling, Micheal brings creative energy and a deep commitment to education and community engagement. Learn more about Micheal and the passion he brings to the Foundation in our latest blog post.

Museum Staff Spotlight: Bryce Ferguson, Visitor Services

From volunteer to vital team member, this high school senior is making waves - literally and figuratively - at MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science! Whether drenched in rain mid-kayak with a group of campers or helping keep the park clean and welcoming, this spotlighted staffer brings energy, curiosity, and a love of wildlife to everything he does. His journey proves you don’t have to wait until college to make a difference.

Celebrating Board Member J.T. Mitchell – Top 40 Under 40 Honoree!

We’re proud to celebrate one of our own! MMNS Foundation board member J.T. Mitchell has been named a Top 40 Under 40 by the Mississippi Business Journal. In this blog post, we recognize J.T.’s outstanding achievement and share our appreciation for his leadership, service, and dedication to the museum.

Read more about J.T.’s recognition and his impact on the Foundation.

Museum Staff Spotlight: Blake King, Exhibits Supervisor

From exhibit graphics to owl encounters, Blake King brings creativity, humor, and heart to everything he touches at the Museum. As our new Exhibits Supervisor, Blake uses design to tell powerful stories, connect people with science, and bring fresh energy to our visual identity. Meet Blake and learn how he’s blending art and conservation in surprising (and sometimes hilarious) ways.

Avery Rollins, MMNSF Board Member

Meet Avery Rollins, a sixth-generation Mississippian and an invaluable MMNS Foundation Board Member for over 20 years! From his early days exploring the Bogue Chitto River to a distinguished career with the FBI, Avery has always been driven by a passion for conservation and community. In retirement, he’s as adventurous as ever - white water canoeing, tree farming, and championing environmental causes in Mississippi and beyond. Learn how Avery’s lifetime of travel and deep roots in Mississippi fuel his work to protect the natural wonders right here at home.

Backyard Adventures Party

Backyard Adventures Party

Over 300 Museum Foundation Members joined us to launch the Backyard Adventures Exhibit Premiere Party on May 23, 2025!

A huge thank you to our Sponsors, Board, Volunteers, and Museum Staff who made this event possible. Your support brings engaging, interactive experiences like this to life for our Members and visitors.

Museum Staff Spotlight: Marinee Humphries, Environmental/Natural Resources Specialist I

Meet Marinee Humphries, one of our all-star environmental specialists helping protect Mississippi’s wild side! Whether she’s wading through wetlands, diving into species data, or helping museum guests connect with conservation, Marinee brings energy, expertise, and a love for the outdoors to everything she does. From freshwater mussels to bumblebees, her work is all about discovery, impact, and hands-on adventure. Read on to learn how this former nursing student found her true calling in conservation!

With a background in studio art and psychology, she brings a creative touch to everything she doe! Her journey to the Museum? It all started with an opossum … Read more about Emma’s role and her favorite Museum moments in our latest Staff Spotlight!