Experiences that influenced my career path were related to interaction with those I consider my mentors. I was hired in 1977. Also as an undergraduate, I maintained the mineral, rock and fossil study collections for lab courses that prepared me for curatorial work. Ironically, that's exactly what my job with the Desert Museum entails. Maybe subconsciously I knew this is where and how I would find my niche.
Communication is extremely important.
I must be clear and knowledgeable when answering questions or conversing with my peers. For my involvement with minerals, I must have the basic scientific knowledge of minerals, which allows me to understand their origins and importance to the Desert Museum's mission and goals. Knowing that I work for an institution that is respected all over the world, and that what I do helps maintain the Desert Museum's position as one of the best natural history museums of its kind worldwide. Don't pass up the opportunity to take extra math and computer courses while you're in high school. Develop a strong work ethic that includes honesty, integrity and self-assurance without conceit.