Improvements to the Auburn University Natural History Museum

阿拉巴马州是美国生物多样性最丰富的地区之一。记录这一经常被忽视和濒危的自然遗产是奥本大学自然历史博物馆的优先事项。尽管自然历史收藏品在全国范围内呈下降趋势，但奥本大学对以收藏品为基础的研究、教育和公共宣传做出了坚定的承诺。这一奖项将用于改善植物、无脊椎动物、鱼类、两栖动物、爬行动物、鸟类和哺乳动物的收藏，并将它们搬迁到一座新的中心校园博物馆大楼。升级的橱柜和架子将使新空间得到有效利用，确保有价值的标本得到保存，并改善研究人员、学生和公众获取标本的机会。该奖项将为本科生和研究生提供许多机会，将其纳入以收藏为基础的活动，作为他们学术经验的一部分。几名学生将以有偿支持人员的身份参加，并接受在职培训，成为下一代馆长和藏品经理。这一奖项将促进将这些藏品整合到几个受欢迎和有效的公共教育项目中，包括K-12迷你课程、博物馆参观和研讨会，以提高公众对阿拉巴马州自然遗产的兴趣并强调其重要性。

The state of Alabama enjoys the distinction of being one of the most biologically diverse regions of the country. Documenting this often overlooked and imperiled natural heritage is the priority of the Auburn University Natural History Museum. Although natural history collections are in decline nationwide, Auburn University has made a strong commitment to collections-based research, education and public outreach. This award will fund improvements to the plant, invertebrate, fish, amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal collections in concert with their relocation to a new, central campus museum building. Upgraded cabinetry and shelving will allow efficient use of the new space, ensure preservation of valuable specimens and improve access to specimens by researchers, students and the public. This award will provide numerous opportunities for the inclusion of undergraduate and graduate students in collections-based activities as part of their academic experience. Several students will participate as paid support personnel and receive on the job training to become the next generation of curators and collections managers. This award will facilitate integration of the collections into several popular and effective public education programs, including K-12 mini courses, museum tours, and workshops that heighten public interest in and emphasize the importance of Alabama's natural heritage.