Contact the Development Team
Disha Dewan – Vice President of Advancement
Disha.Dewan@lifeandscience.org
919.220.5429 x417
As the Vice President of Advancement at the Museum of Life and Science, Disha Dewan brings a background in non-profit fundraising, marketing, and education. Prior to this role, Disha served as the Director of Development at North Carolina Arts in Action, where she led the organization’s philanthropic efforts. She has a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marketing from the University of Minnesota- Carlson School of Management and a Masters of Education (M.Ed) from Marymount University, and a short stint in NY at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Trish Lemm – Director of Development
Trish.Lemm@lifeandscience.org
919.220.5429 x283
Trish Lemm is a devoted advocate for the Museum of Life and Science, where she has worked for more than fifteen years. She is passionate about the Museum’s initiatives in nature play and community engagement. After several years with the Education and Engagement team, Trish now works in the Development Department leading the Museum’s grant programs and other strategic initiatives. With a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a Masters of Education in Science Education, Trish is dedicated to making science learning more accessible in the community. Trish’s favorite exhibit is Into the Mist, where she has spent many misty mornings playing with her children.
Leesa Moore – Development Officer
Leesa.Moore@lifeandscience.org
919.220.5429 x411
Leesa Moore serves as Development Officer for the Museum, bringing a background in donor relations, non-profit management and a proven track record of cultivating support for mission-based initiatives. Leesa holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from North Carolina State University in Communications and Arts Studies and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration. A Durhamite, born and raised, she has many fond memories of field trips to the Museum and has loved seeing its expansion over the years. In free time, Leesa enjoys traveling and exploring nature and museums with her partner, as well as spending time with her dog, Arya.
Rachel Ripps – Development Officer
Rachel.Ripps@lifeandscience.org
919.220.5429 x257
Rachel Ripps recently joined the Museum as Development Officer after more than a decade in the Washington, DC museum and non-profit space. She is thrilled to be at the Museum with such enthusiastic colleagues and visitors! Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American University and continued pursuing her interests with a Masters in Museum and Non-profit Management from George Washington University. As new residents, Rachel and her husband are enjoying getting to know Durham and the greater community.
Nick Hoggatt – Development Associate
Nicolas.Hoggatt@lifeandscience.org
919.220.5429 x373
Nicolas Hoggatt is a passionate Data Analyst and Development Associate at the Museum of Life and Science. Starting in a non-profit for the performing arts in California, Nicolas moved across the US to mature as a Data Analyst and help the Museum grow and reach more people. Constantly wanting to learn more allows Nicolas to grow quickly, provide better structure for the Museum’s data, and get the most pertinent statistics to those who need it. At the end of the day, it’s the guests who keep him motivated. Nicolas lives in Raleigh with his partner Kyle, who works at the Museum as the Exhibits Engineer. They often joke that they can work to cover software and hardware together.