I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted a full-time position at the Chicago Field Museum! During my visit in April, I was invited to a meeting where they offered me the chance to join their team. Not only will I be working with them, but they are also enthusiastic about supporting the production of The Brain Scoop and allowing us to film within their extensive collection. With 25 million specimens, compared to our current 24,000, this opportunity is a dream come true.
Just a day before my trip to Chicago, I received unexpected news: our curator was leaving for a new position across the country and had recommended me to take over his role. I discussed this with the Dean of our school, who was uncertain about the future of the position, leaving me feeling disheartened. I have invested significant effort into our institution and wish to see it flourish, despite the challenges of leaving after gaining so much publicity.
During my time here, I noticed some issues in our collection area, such as a leak that damaged several specimens. It’s concerning to see the state of the collection and to think about its future after my departure. Although a new mammalogy professor will oversee it, I worry about the potential loss of thousands of natural history specimens and the invaluable data they hold.
Natural history collections often don’t receive the attention they deserve, with more focus placed on sports teams or business programs. This isn’t due to any individual’s fault but rather years of neglect. I hope the collection finds a more suitable home, as future generations will be disappointed if we fail to preserve our shared history.
Reflecting on my time here, I’ve had many unforgettable experiences, such as learning to prepare specimens. I remember feeling nervous when I first skinned a mouse, but it soon became a passion. I’ve made great friends and engaged in deep conversations about life and biology. There have been challenges too, like handling a biohazard incident when our fish collection collapsed.
I’ve prepared numerous specimens, including birds and other animals, and this place has been a significant part of my life. I even volunteered here while working as a baker, which eventually led me to pursue graduate studies in museum studies to continue my work.
I will miss this place dearly. It feels like my museum, not because I own the objects, but because of the time and love I’ve invested. I’ve had the unique opportunity to work on various projects independently, which is rare in the museum world.
As I move forward, I’ve arranged to take a raccoon with me to the Field Museum on a temporary loan. I hope he adjusts well and makes new friends there!
Visit the Chicago Field Museum’s website and explore their extensive collection. Identify three exhibits that interest you the most and prepare a short presentation on how these exhibits contribute to our understanding of natural history. Share your findings with your peers.
Imagine you are the curator of a natural history museum facing challenges similar to those described in the article. Form groups and role-play a meeting where you discuss strategies to address issues such as specimen preservation and public engagement. Present your solutions to the class.
Participate in a hands-on workshop where you learn the basics of specimen preparation. Reflect on the skills and knowledge required for this task and discuss how it contributes to the preservation of natural history. Share your experience and insights with the group.
Engage in a structured debate on the importance of natural history collections versus other institutional priorities, such as sports or business programs. Research and present arguments for both sides, then discuss how museums can balance these priorities effectively.
Write a reflective essay on the challenges and opportunities associated with career transitions, drawing parallels to the experiences described in the article. Consider how such changes can impact personal and professional growth. Share your essay with a peer for feedback.
I’m excited to share that I’m taking a full-time job at the Chicago Field Museum! When I visited back in April, they invited me into a conference room and asked if I would like to work for them. Not only that, but they also want to help us produce *The Brain Scoop* and allow us to film in their collection. They have 25 million specimens compared to our 24,000, so this is truly a dream come true.
However, the day before we flew to Chicago, I learned that our curator was leaving for a job across the country and he had asked if I would take over his position. I had a conversation with the Dean of our school, and he expressed uncertainty about whether they could keep the position open or fill it at all. This left me feeling disheartened because I’ve invested so much effort into this place and I want to see it thrive. While we’ve received a lot of publicity, it’s still tough to leave.
I noticed some issues in our collection area, including a leak that caused damage to some specimens. It’s sad to see the state of things, and I worry about what will happen to the collection after I leave. The new mammalogy professor will be checking in on it, which is better than nothing, but I’m concerned about the potential loss of thousands of natural history specimens and the invaluable data associated with them.
People often overlook the importance of natural history collections, choosing instead to invest in sports teams or business programs. It’s not anyone’s fault specifically; it’s a result of years of neglect and oversight. I hope the collection gets moved to a more suitable location because our future generations will be disappointed if we don’t take better care of our shared history.
Reflecting on my time here, I’ve had many memorable experiences, including learning to prepare specimens. I remember feeling nervous when I first skinned a mouse, but it turned into a passion for me. I’ve made great friends and had deep conversations about life and biology in this space. There have been challenges too, like dealing with a biohazard incident when our fish collection collapsed.
I’ve done a lot of specimen preparation, including skinning and skeletal preparation. I’ve probably processed over a hundred birds and countless other specimens. This place has been a significant part of my life, and I’ve put a lot of effort into it. I even volunteered here while working as a baker, and eventually decided to pursue graduate school in museum studies to continue my work.
I will miss this place dearly. It feels like my museum in a way, not because I own the objects, but because I’ve invested so much time and love into it. I’ve had the unique opportunity to work on various projects independently, which is rare in the museum world.
As for my next steps, I’ve arranged to take a raccoon with me to the Field Museum as a temporary loan. I hope he adjusts well and makes new friends there!
Biology – The scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, and distribution. – The biology department is conducting research on the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Collection – A group of objects or specimens gathered for study, comparison, or exhibition, often used in scientific research. – The university’s herbarium houses a vast collection of plant specimens from around the world.
Specimens – Individual organisms or parts of organisms used as examples for scientific study or display. – The researchers analyzed specimens of the endangered frog species to understand its declining population.
Natural – Existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind, often used to describe environments or processes. – The natural habitat of the giant panda is being preserved through dedicated conservation efforts.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, but in biology, it often refers to the evolutionary history of organisms. – Understanding the evolutionary history of birds helps scientists trace their lineage back to theropod dinosaurs.
Museum – An institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest. – The natural history museum features an extensive exhibit on the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.
Environmental – Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its condition. – Environmental scientists are studying the effects of pollution on coral reef ecosystems.
Data – Facts and statistics collected for reference or analysis, often used in scientific research to draw conclusions. – The environmental data collected over the past decade indicates a significant rise in global temperatures.
Mammals – A class of warm-blooded vertebrate animals characterized by the presence of mammary glands, hair, and three middle ear bones. – The study of mammals provides insights into the adaptive strategies of different species in various habitats.
Conservation – The protection and preservation of natural resources and environments, often to prevent exploitation, degradation, or destruction. – Conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the survival of endangered species.
