Category: News

Welcome, Dr. Brian Counterman!

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Brian Counterman as our new director of AUMNH. Brian has been involved with the museum as our Entomology Faculty curator since 2022. He research focuses on understanding how genetic and environmental changes can result in differences in how an organism develop and its trait variation. For the past couple…Continue Reading Welcome, Dr. Brian Counterman!

An Imperiled Ecosystem: the Black Belt Prairie

Black Belt Prairie Ecological Assessment By Al Schotz, Botanist and Ecologist, Alabama Natural Heritage Program The Black Belt region of Alabama is defined by a crescent-shaped pattern that extends across the central part of the state from near the Georgia state line westward to Mississippi, covering approximately 4,000 square miles. Boosting Alabama’s remarkable natural heritage,…Continue Reading An Imperiled Ecosystem: the Black Belt Prairie

From Nature to Knowledge – New Exhibit at RBD Library

Have you seen the new exhibit, From Nature to Knowledge: Specimens, Collections, and Drawings located on the first floor at the Ralph Brown Draughon Library? Be sure to check it out next time you are there!  This exhibit started with the AU Art and Art History professor, Dr. Daniel Esquivia Zapata’s Drawing I class. The students visited…Continue Reading From Nature to Knowledge – New Exhibit at RBD Library

Congratulations to David Werneke

David Werneke received a Lilly-Lovelace award for his service to the Museum, Biological Sciences, COSAM, and the University. David has been the Staff Curator of the Fish Collection for 21 years, and he has seen all of the dramatic changes at the Museum over those years including moving the collection across campus. David has been…Continue Reading Congratulations to David Werneke

Visualizing Science and Nature Through Art 

Did you know that our specimens are not always used for research? Many times, our specimens are used to inspire artists! This happens in the form of poetry, photographs, and illustration from both Auburn University and beyond. Learn about Janet Stephens, an artist that just completed scientific illustration program who worked with AUMNH specimens to…Continue Reading Visualizing Science and Nature Through Art 

Open House on Homecoming: Saturday, September 14

Want to be inspired? Amazed? Come learn and explore biodiversity through the millions of specimens in AUMNH’s Open House before the Homecoming football game! We invite you to the Auburn University Museum of Natural History annual Open House to explore the behind the scenes portion of our collections, learn about diverse species, and gain a…Continue Reading Open House on Homecoming: Saturday, September 14

Orphaned Collections and the Taxonomic Dilemma

Over the course of the last 150 years or so, universities and other agencies collected specimens, often as part of field classes. Some of these specimens eventually formed individual collections, and sometimes those collections would amalgamate into museums with multiple collections. As time has passed, priorities for universities and other agencies changed, and professors retired…Continue Reading Orphaned Collections and the Taxonomic Dilemma

Wolverine Crowned Champion!

It’s all over! The wolverine outlasted the Okapi in a tough, wet battle when they met in an ephemeral wetland in the the Sequoia National Forest. What a gutty performance as the wolverine pushed through the pain and healing wounds from the previous battle, courtesy of the Golden Eagle.  Read all of the exciting battle…Continue Reading Wolverine Crowned Champion!