Natural history collections fuel scientific discovery. They are the corner stones upon which knowledge about species are built. They allow detailed examination of traits and genes to understand the rich and continuously unfolding evolutionary history of life on earth. They offer glimpses into how populations and species respond to natural and human-caused environmental changes and, in so doing, help guide conservation efforts. Despite these benefits and services, many people view collections as outdated relics of the past. of natural history collections. During this live virtual walkthrough, Vanya Rowher will highlight some of ways that Cornell’s Ornithological collection is being used, with the hopes that attendees gain a better appreciation for the value and uses of natural history collections.

About the Presenter

Vanya Rohwer is the Curator of the Bird and Mammal Collection at the Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he marked the seasons by the arrival and departure of migratory birds and the flowering and senescence of plants. Vanya is a firm believer that spending time outside leads to new observations, new ideas, and creative ways of thinking about natural systems. For graduate work, he studied nest building behaviors of birds and, to this day, can’t seem to stop marveling at bird nests. Vanya’s interest in natural history collections began as a child roaming the hallways of the ornithology collection at the Burke Museum in Seattle Washington, where his father, Sievert, was the Curator of birds. Because of this, Vanya grew up steeped in museum activities that ranged from adventures in the field to tending the colony of beetle used to prepare skeleton specimens. This upbringing has instilled in Vanya a deep appreciation of natural history collections and he is excited to try an exclusive “virtual tour” of the Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates for Audubon Everglades.

Learn more here:

https://www.cumv.cornell.edu/

A celebration of avian diversity.

Vanya instilling in his daughter, Nona, a curiosity and love for nature.