Member Monday - Mia Jackson
Posted by tmadison on May. 29, 2026 / Subscribe 0
What is the name of your organization?
Science History Institute
What industry does your organization serve?
Museum and Research Library
Share a recent win (e.g. Major media placement, merger, expansion). Please provide a link to this win.
The Institute has recently acquired the History of Molecular Biology Collections, which is known as one of the most significant scientific archives in the history of the field. Following this acquisition, we received media placements in prominent scientific journals and digital magazines such as Science, Nautilus, and C&EN Chemical and Engineering News: https://www.sciencehistory.org/about/news/institutes-history-of-molecular-biology-collection-featured-in-science-nautilus-cen/
Why does this win matter to you/your organization?
This win matters to us as a nonprofit organization because it amplifies our mission to preserve, interpret, and share the history of science in ways that are scholarly and publicly accessible. By archiving and digitizing the History of Molecular Biology Collection, we are expanding public access to materials that are foundational to modern molecular biology, including original letters from Nobel Prize-winning scientists and Photo 51, the groundbreaking image that revealed the structure of DNA. This win matters to me and my work at the Institute, because the collection gives us the space to not only tell more complete and inclusive stories about how scientific breakthroughs are created, but also to acknowledge the women whose contributions were often overlooked. One such narrative is that of Rosalind Franklin, the scientist and X-ray crystallographer who, along with her research assistant, took the iconic Photo 51. From a Communications perspective, I am eager to highlight stories like Franklin's because they allow me to further connect with our audiences and invite them to reconsider who credit, whom we remember, and how historical events are documented.
Are you an active volunteer or member in any organization beyond PPRA?
Yes! In addition to my involvement with PPRA, I serve on the Historic District Marketing Committee, where we meet quarterly to collaborate on strategies that increase engagement and attendance for Old City’s historical and cultural organizations. I also actively support the local arts and music scene by attending events and amplifying artists through my social media channels. Beyond that, I own a skincare brand called Nhectar, where I further engage with the community by participating in vending events and hosting giveaways that promote body positivity, self-care, and cultural connection.
Have you had an influential mentor in your life? If so, how did they influence your career?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many influential professionals who have inspired me to pursue a career in museum communications. One person who had a particularly meaningful impact on me was the late Louise M. Calloway, founder of the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County. Louise dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the history of the Underground Railroad, specifically in South Jersey. Through her work, she created accessible spaces for education and unlearning. She ensured that these stories and artifacts were carefully preserved. While previously volunteering at the museum, I witnessed her commitment to storytelling and community education in action, which deeply influenced how I think about my museum work. It ignited my passion to help bring to light underrepresented stories in ways that are insightful and meaningful for diverse audiences.
What is one of your favorite moments from your current organization?
There are too many moments to count! But one of my favorites was when we created solar eclipse glasses with the Institute's branding for the 2024 total solar eclipse. I really enjoyed developing the social media campaign, promoting the free giveaway, and handing out glasses in person to any and everyone in Old City. The excitement around the solar eclipse was palpable. We even had one of my favorite Philly blogs, @WooderIce, promote the glasses to their followers. It was a small idea that turned out to be one of the best ways to get hundreds of people through the museum doors and discover how amazing our "hidden gem" museum really is. You can read about it on our website: https://www.sciencehistory.org/about/news/get-ready-for-the-2024-total-solar-eclipse-with-free-science-history-institute-glasses/
The Science History Institute focuses on preserving and sharing the history of science, how does that mission shape your approach to communications strategy?
The Science History Institute’s mission shapes my communications approach by reminding me that this job is really about connection and intention, not just promotion. I focus on making science history feel accessible and relevant by translating archival materials, research, and events and programs into human-centered stories that meet audiences where they are. It also allows me to share more diverse stories so people can see themselves reflected in history, especially voices that have often been neglected, including POCs, scientists with disabilities, and the many women who have contributed to science. Overall, I see museum communications as a way to help people understand that science history is relevant, and something that shapes their world every single day.
Just for fun: What’s one movie, TV show, or book you can rewatch or reread over and over without getting tired of it?
I can't lie, I love a musical! I can watch Dreamgirls or Hairspray on repeat forever.
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