Valuing Life After Death: Vertebrate specimen preparation within the Zadock Thompson Zoological Collections
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
Natural history collections act as reserves for biodiversity ex situ, allowing for knowledge to be extracted from organisms sometimes in ways only possible by means of museum preservation techniques. The goal of this project is to create professional models from outdated or disarticulated specimens for educational use in anatomy, systematics, and medical/veterinary training. In this project, dozens of vertebrate specimens are processed, cleaned, and articulated into skeletal models. Modern techniques (degreasing, glues, clays, etc.) are being explored to populate UVM with lasting material. Through this project, the diminished art and science of vertebrate preservation can be studied and revived.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Sara Helms Cahan
Graduate Student Mentors
Lily Duerr
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Zoology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Valuing Life After Death: Vertebrate specimen preparation within the Zadock Thompson Zoological Collections
Natural history collections act as reserves for biodiversity ex situ, allowing for knowledge to be extracted from organisms sometimes in ways only possible by means of museum preservation techniques. The goal of this project is to create professional models from outdated or disarticulated specimens for educational use in anatomy, systematics, and medical/veterinary training. In this project, dozens of vertebrate specimens are processed, cleaned, and articulated into skeletal models. Modern techniques (degreasing, glues, clays, etc.) are being explored to populate UVM with lasting material. Through this project, the diminished art and science of vertebrate preservation can be studied and revived.