March 3, 2026

For Immediate Release – March 3, 2026

Media Contacts:
Ro Rode, Director of Marketing and Communications
(561) 596-1410
ro.rode@lifeandscience.org

Durham, NC — The Museum of Life and Science is proud to announce the appointment of Paula Alexander and Shannon Trapp, M.Ed., as the newest members of its Board of Directors. Both leaders bring extensive experience in sustainability, higher education, public service, and community engagement, advancing the Museum’s mission to inspire lifelong learning and connection to the natural world.

Paula Alexander

Paula Alexander is a purpose-driven marketing leader and sustainability champion, currently serving as Marketing Innovation Director for Burt’s Bees. She previously led the Commercial Team for The Clorox Company Sustainability Center, advancing sustainable brand-building and embedding social and environmental impact across business operations.

In addition to her corporate leadership, Paula serves as President of The Burt’s Bees Foundation, where she works to protect biodiversity and reconnect people to nature values that closely align with the Museum’s focus on environmental stewardship and science education.

Paula began her career at Unilever, where she was Global Brand Manager for Dove during the launch of the Campaign for Real Beauty. She was selected for the 2022 Institute for Real Growth IRG100, named a Marie Claire Beauty Changemaker, and serves on Duke University’s EDGE Executive Council. Paula holds a BBA from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Shannon Trapp, M.Ed.

Shannon Trapp rejoins the Museum Board for another term after originally serving as a representative for Durham County. Shannon is a seasoned higher education and public service leader who recently returned to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University as Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration and Strategic Operations. In this newly created role, she focuses on strengthening operational oversight and advancing strategic alignment across the university.

With more than 15 years of experience, Shannon previously served as Assistant Chief of Staff at A&T, where she played a key role in institutional planning, governance, and external engagement. Before her return, she held several leadership roles with Durham County Government, including Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement and Chief of Staff.

Advancing Mission Through Leadership

“Paula and Shannon bring extraordinary expertise in sustainability, strategy, and community leadership,” said Carrie Heinonen, Museum President and CEO. “Their experience will strengthen the Museum’s commitment to science education, environmental stewardship, and meaningful community engagement across our region.”

Alexander and Trapp share the Board’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and inspiration of the next generation of thinkers, explorers, and changemakers. Their experiences and leadership will support the Museum’s programming expansion, including the sustainability exhibit opening in April 2026 and the biotechnology exhibit coming in 2027. The new board members’ strategic vision and deep commitment to innovation will ensure the Museum’s continued success and long-term sustainability.

About the Museum of Life and Science
Located less than five miles from downtown Durham, the Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top family destinations. Our 84-acre campus includes a two-story science center, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, and beautifully landscaped outdoor exhibits. Our interactive experiences include Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Hideaway Woods, Into the Mist, Earth Moves, and Aerospace, which features one of the largest collections of Apollo-era NASA artifacts in the state. The Museum is also an AZA-accredited zoo, home to rescued black bears, lemurs, endangered red wolves, and more than 60 species of live animals. For 80 years, the Museum has upheld its ongoing commitment to the communities of Durham, the Triangle, and North Carolina through programming, engagement, and research. To learn more, visit lifeandscience.org.

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