STEM Careers
Employees at Phipps enjoy the experience of being at the forefront of the organization’s efforts to benefit both people and the natural world through buildings, practices and programs that equally value a well mind, well body and well environment. Many of these roles are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related with employees playing a vital part in maintaining Phipps and allowing guests and fellow employees to grow alongside it. Learn about some of the STEM careers and meet the faces behind them below!
Dr. Maria Wheeler-Dubas
Science Education and Research Outreach Manager
My role is focused on connecting guest to science and nature through different events and avenues. I coordinate a variety of science communication initiatives for scientists from all fields, and I organize a number of annual and monthly events that each focus on connecting to nature or preparing scientists to lead their own outreach activities. A typical day for me can range from working at a desk from working at a desk to running through a tropical forest while on scavenger hunt with local school kids.
Shishir Paudel
Plant Ecologist
Plant ecologists like me examine plant life within a particular environment. I look at how a specific environment influences or is influenced by the plants that live there. Through research and education, I strive to help people make the right decisions in their lifestyle so we can preserve our planet for future generations. My days vary depending on the time of the year. Weather permitting, I spend the majority of my time outdoors at Phipps and the surrounding urban areas to establish plots and gather various plant-related data with the help of field assistants, volunteers, and undergraduate and graduate students. Other times, I am reading the latest research about urban development, climate change, biodiversity and green spaces. Most of all, I am constantly considering how we can use Phipps’ sustainability mission to enhance plant biodiversity in urban green spaces for the well-being of humans and the environment.
Sarah States
Director of Research and Science Education
I am responsible for creating innovative local, national and international research partnerships in the research areas of Phipps, such as ecology, human health and wellness, environmental education and science communication. I also oversee the development and implementation of pre-K – 12 informal education programs that focus on connecting youth to nature.
Jordyn Melino
Associate Director of Exhibits
A potential day for me has limitless possibilities; I could be spending time designing upcoming shows and prop ideas at my desk, drawing planting plans or selecting plant varieties and sizes. At other times I could be in meetings, preparing for show installation, checking in on the plants in the greenhouses to make sure they meet the needs of the designs or reviewing prop details with the facilities team.
Andrew Lampl
Climate Toolkit Manager
In my role, I manage all things related to the Climate Toolkit initiative, which is a collaborative network of museums, zoos and gardens committed to aggressively addressing climate change in their operations and surrounding communities. The Climate Toolkit was launched through Phipps Conservatory in 2020 and currently includes 135+ cultural institutions around the globe. Some of my responsibilities include coordinating a quarterly webinar series on climate solutions; outreach and networking with museum and garden professionals; hosting working groups; research and content creation; spotlight interviews; database management; and conceiving updated frameworks for climate action. Check out climatetoolkit.org for more information!
Pete Thomson
Director of Facilities
On a daily basis, I make sure that all equipment and buildings are operating correctly. In doing so, I must ensure that all buildings are functioning at their highest level of efficiency in order to reduce our energy consumption. By keeping the health of empoyees and the environment at the forefront, I check that all new projects that Phipps wants to take on meet our sustainability goals. Another unique part of my job is working with my team to build all the props featured in shows throughout the year. It's exciting to figure out how each prop can fit into our sustainability mission while adding beauty and wonder to flower shows!
Mike Bechtel
Indoor Display Manager
A typical workday for me consists of ensuring the display rooms are properly watered. I do a walkthrough of the conservatory and touch base with my team to ensure everyone is prepared and able to take care of their assigned areas. I think of each day as a “refresher” for the display room, meaning that water, fertilizing, deadheading spent blooms, removing yellow leaves and taking care of any pruning are all part of the daily responsibilities. The goal is to complete most of the heavy work prior to guests arriving at the Conservatory before I can get to my office work and back of house checklist items.
Michelle Allworth
Facilities Project Manager
My role is intended to oversee improvement capital projects and renovations, I do overlap with maintenance quite often. Depending on our workloads, we find ways that we can best support each other and achieve our project goals. Regarding a typical day, I review how the campus PV arrays performed the day before and look for any issues with the equipment. I am also regularly involved in ongoing testing for permit and certification requirements (drinking/ waste/storm water), scoping and pricing up various infrastructure projects so we can either proceed with them or add to our forecast when funds become available.
Laken Burns
Display Horticulturist
For me, a typical day is filled with various responsibilities, and each day is a little bit different from the last. I typically jump around between many different gardens throughout Phipps, indoors and outdoors. I have responsibilities in the South Conservatory, Gallery Room, Edible Garden, Botany Hall Kitchen Garden, the Vertical Live Wall and one of our Production Greenhouses. My favorite part working at Phipps is the creative freedom I get when planting in the Edible Garden!
Kelliann Walsh
Discovery Education Manager
My role focuses on developing educational and experiential materials and programs for youth and families visiting the Conservatory. I plan, prepare and facilitate weekly, hands-on lessons and seasonal activities. This engagement is led at informational stops throughout Phipps, during Story Time programs and family festivals. Through Discovery programming we connect children and adults to the wonders and curiosities of nature; highlighting what is happening in our gardens, our connection and role in the natural world, and what is special about plants and Phipps’ living collection.
