The Museum of Life and Science has announced the addition of two new members to its board. Paula Alexander, who currently serves as Marketing Innovation Director for Burt’s Bees, joins the board with a background in sustainability and marketing leadership. She also leads The Burt’s Bees Foundation as President, focusing on biodiversity protection and reconnecting people to nature.
Alexander began her career at Unilever as Global Brand Manager for Dove during the Campaign for Real Beauty launch. Her recognitions include being selected for the 2022 Institute for Real Growth IRG100 and being named a Marie Claire Beauty Changemaker. She also serves on Duke University’s EDGE Executive Council.
Shannon Trapp, M.Ed., is returning to the Museum Board after previously serving as a representative for Durham County. Trapp recently took on the role of Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration and Strategic Operations at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Her experience includes more than 15 years in higher education and public service, with past roles such as Assistant Chief of Staff at A&T and various leadership positions within Durham County Government.
Museum President and CEO Carrie Heinonen stated, “Paula and Shannon bring extraordinary expertise in sustainability, strategy, and community leadership. Their experience will strengthen the Museum’s commitment to science education, environmental stewardship, and meaningful community engagement across our region.”
Both Alexander and Trapp are expected to support upcoming museum initiatives such as a sustainability exhibit set to open in April 2026 and a biotechnology exhibit planned for 2027.
The Museum of Life and Science is located near downtown Durham on an 84-acre campus that features interactive exhibits like Dinosaur Trail, Ellerbe Creek Railway, Hideaway Woods, Into the Mist, Earth Moves, Aerospace with Apollo-era NASA artifacts, one of the largest butterfly conservatories on the East Coast, as well as an AZA-accredited zoo with rescued animals including black bears and endangered red wolves. The museum has served communities in Durham and North Carolina through programming, engagement, and research over its 80-year history.
“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’s work aligns closely with the museum’s focus areas of environmental stewardship while Trapp’s experience in strategic operations is seen as beneficial to advancing institutional goals.
For more information about exhibits or programs at the Museum of Life and Science visit lifeandscience.org.
