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By Josh Estes, Dinosphere and Treasures of the Earth Manager/Interpreter
Oh, Mookie is a person in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood, in your neiiighbooorhoood!
Meet Mookie Harris. You might have seen Mookie in episodes of ‘This Week’s Wow’. Besides being the occasional co-host for these webisodes, he spends his normal working days in Dinosphere. Today, I asked Mookie a few questions to help you get to know him better!
What is it that you do in the museum?
I am a Gallery Facilitator in the Dinosphere. I always say that my job begins where the basic signage stops. I’m a walking source of more information, specific to the interests of each individual guest. Also, I’m in charge of cleaning the Didelphodon litter box.
What led you to your current position?
I had several friends who worked here at The Children’s Museum when I first started back in 2007. I knew how much they enjoyed working here. I’ve also loved dinosaurs and this museum since I was in grade school. It was an easy fit. My basic knowledge of 80’s TV shows also helped.
Were you always “in” to dinosaurs growing up? What was your “childhood dinosaur experience”?
I was an absolute dinosaur nut. My room was full of dinosaurs. I had huge plastic models, toys, pictures, books, 
the famous Zallinger mural, all over the place. I was also, more than likely, that kid who couldn't stop talking about dinosaurs. Mom and Dad were the classic dino-parents too. “He knows everything about dinosaurs!” I try to subtly discourage that now. There’s always more to learn about dinosaurs! It’s cliché to say ‘I learn new things everyday’, so I’ll say, “I learn new things every other Tuesday”. So, yeah, I was a HUGE dinosaur nut. That is, 'til I turned 10 and discovered Star Wars and KISS and girls.
What aspects of your job do you like the most?
• Working with kids and their imaginations
• Being around truly awesome fossils daily
• Learning constantly from our paleontologists
• Opening guests’ eyes to basic concepts of paleontology and paleo art and seeing them suddenly figureout more concepts on their own.
• Working with wonderful fellow staffers who I respect and love. And Katie too.
What would a visitor be surprised about your position?
How much we not only know about our subject matter, but also how we can talk about it to any audience in a way that makes sense, regardless of age, science background, etc. and respectful of conflicting beliefs or tastes in soft drinks and college sports.
