Matthew J.S. Jackson
Starkville,MS
Summary
A dedicated entomologist with a strong foundation in organizational and research skills, developed through hands-on experiences at the Hinds County Justice Court and the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Proficient in operating wildlife trail cameras and managing ecological data, while leading educational sessions for the Master Naturalist Program to enhance public understanding of ecological principles. Currently serving as an Invertebrate Keeper Assistant at the Mississippi Entomological Museum, responsible for organizing insect specimens, ensuring accurate data management, and conducting invasive species screenings across Mississippi. This diverse background enriches knowledge of insects and plants, fostering a passion for sharing insights about their crucial roles in ecosystems.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Invertebrate Zookeeper
Mississippi Entomological Museum
Starkville, MS
05.2026 - Current
- Reinforcing knowledge of the well-being and care for living insect specimens and making sure that they are prepared for live educational tours upon request.
- Engaging with the public more frequently in a more professional setting
- Regular maintenance of the living collection of insects and arachnids in the on-site zoo.
Undergraduate Laboratory Technician
Mississippi Entomological Museum
Starkville, MS
02.2024 - 05.2026
- Honed organizational skills by ensuring that living and non-living insect specimens and related data are accurately organized for the museum collection, outreach events, and related research.
- Refined invasive and pest insect identification through the museum’s associated insect screening center.
- Assisted in the placement, maintenance, and collection of traps set for potential pest and invasive insects across the state of Mississippi.
- Further improved communication and teaching skills with events hosted by Mississippi Bug Blues geared toward exotic, native, and invasive insect awareness.
Urban Wildlife Apprenticeship
Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center
Raymond, MS
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Enhanced management skills by operating and maintaining wildlife trail cameras.
- Worked on database management, uploading collected data to the Urban Wildlife Information Network for Mississippi’s Jackson Metropolitan area.
- Improved leadership skills via teaching various ecological and other wildlife-related principles and concepts for the Master Naturalist Program across multiple wildlife management areas in Mississippi.
Records Assistant
Hinds County Justice Court
Jackson, MS
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Strengthened organizational skills by filing civil and criminal cases for judgment.
- Reinforced attention to detail through digitizing court databases.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife, Fisheries, And Aquaculture Sciences, Conservation Biology
Mississippi State University, College of Forest Resources
Starkville, MS05-2026
Skills
- RStudio
- ArcGIS
- Educational instruction
- Invertebrate care
- Field insect trapping experience
- Data analysis
- Communication
- Strong organizational skills
- Diversity sensitivity
Certification
- Lab Safety Training (July 2024-July 2026)
- Hazardous Waste Training (July 2024-July 2026)
- Human Subjects Researcher (May 2023 – May 2028)
- NRA Shotgun Certification (April 2023)
- IACUC Lab Animal Researcher Certification (June 2026 – Jun 2030)
- Project Learning Tree Certification (as of Feb. 19, 2023)
Timeline
Assistant Invertebrate Zookeeper
Mississippi Entomological Museum
05.2026 - Current
Undergraduate Laboratory Technician
Mississippi Entomological Museum
02.2024 - 05.2026
Urban Wildlife Apprenticeship
Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center
06.2023 - 08.2023
Records Assistant
Hinds County Justice Court
06.2021 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife, Fisheries, And Aquaculture Sciences, Conservation Biology
Mississippi State University, College of Forest Resources