Improvements to the Auburn University Natural History Museum

亚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危及的自然遗产是奥本大学自然历史博物馆的优先事项。 虽然自然历史收藏在全国范围内下降，奥本大学作出了坚定的承诺，以收藏为基础的研究，教育和公众宣传。 该奖项将资助改善植物，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，以配合他们搬迁到一个新的，中央校园博物馆大楼。升级后的橱柜和架子将使新空间得到有效利用，确保保存有价值的标本，并改善研究人员、学生和公众对标本的获取。该奖项将为本科生和研究生提供许多机会，将其纳入基于收藏的活动，作为其学术经验的一部分。 一些学生将作为有偿支持人员参加，并接受在职培训，成为下一代馆长和收藏经理。 该奖项将促进收藏品融入几个流行和有效的公共教育计划，包括K-12迷你课程，博物馆图尔斯之旅，提高公众的兴趣，并强调亚拉巴马的自然遗产的重要性研讨会。

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.