33rd Annual Student Research Conference
What is the Value of a Research Mammal Collection in a Liberal Arts and Science Undergraduate University?
Riley E. Schmidt* and Machaela C. Ford
Dr. Stephanie Fore, Faculty Mentor
The Truman State Mammalogy Collection was founded in 1980 by Dr. Scott Ellis. Currently the collection is curated by Dr. Stephanie Foré and undergraduate students. The objective of our presentation is to share how a collection can be used in an undergraduate liberal arts and science university. Student curators manage the 4311 specimens, of which 3873 are from Missouri. The specimens are from 8 different orders, and 19 different families. The specimens have been used for many reasons, including teaching, models for art students, and specimens for research. Curators have learned how to identify specimens based on skulls, measurements, and other physical features. Curation has also provided opportunities for website development, leadership, event planning, and outreach. Future plans include observation of local fauna by means of setting up camera traps in Adair County.
Keywords: Mammal, Museum, Truman, Curators, Students
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA