Shannon Jones

What is your current job and main responsibilities?

Currently, I am the Conservation Programs Manager at Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science). I adhere to the conservation plan at Frost Science which consists of four main programs; Museum Volunteers for the Environment (MUVE), Treasured Taxa, Marine Exotic Species Removal, and Inventors in Residence Lab. MUVE is the longest running conservation project at Frost Science. It is a coastal habitat restoration project that hosts volunteer-based events to enhance urban areas around Miami, creating more natural space for wildlife and protecting coastlines. I maintain relationships with stakeholders and volunteers while coordinating restoration activities. I oversee monitoring projects at our restoration sites and represent MUVE in the community. All of our conservation programs have a citizen-science and volunteer aspect which brings my passion for marine conservation and community engagement together.

Tell us about your MPS internship.

I completed my MPS internship at NOAA’s AOML as a communications intern. I decided to accept this internship because it would give me new skills in communications that I hadn’t experienced yet. I met so many amazing people and learned a lot about science and Miami. Through Rosenstiel School and NOAA, believe I made life-long connections that have helped me get where I am today.

What were your favorite classes at Rosenstiel School and why?

My favorite class was Marine Conservation Biology because it solidified my passion. I don’t think I was ever so attentive in a class in undergrad because I was just so excited to be learning the content.

What is your favorite Rosenstiel School memory?

This is a tough one. I think my favorite memories would spending countless hours in the library with my friends, especially on holidays because it was empty except for us. I also really enjoyed my trip to Bonaire during spring break. I learned a lot about culture and felt very lucky to experience such a beautiful island.

What piece of advice would you give to current or incoming MPS students?

Network, network, network. Meet everyone you can because you’ll never know where you can collaborate. Still, each time I go to an event I find the marine science community gets smaller and everyone is connected! To make the best of your time here, I would try to be passionate, present, and get involved. Spend lots of time at Wetlab because some of the greatest ideas are born there!