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Department of Invertebrate Zoology
News and Highlights
The Year of the Crayfish
November 14th, 2022
2022 has been quite the busy year for the crayfish in our collection! With our lab at the Museum Support Center starting to bustle with activity once again, we've taken a moment to look at the exciting work some of our recent visitors have been up to
It Was the Summer of '65
April 18, 2022
In his recollection of one IZ's most monumental collection moves, Dr. Dave Pawson takes us back to a time before the Museum Support Center and even the West Wing of NMNH
Wonder What Specimens Were Collected by John Steinbeck?
November 15, 2021
At the Museum Support Center, there are a handful of collections affectionately dubbed "Gee Whiz!" for their outstanding wow factor. This time, we're taking a look at some of our specimens collected by none other than famous author John Steinbeck and his dear friend, marine biologist Ed Ricketts
Bloodsuckers!
October 27, 2021
Late October, what a perfect time to take a look at Invertebrate Zoology's beloved bloodsuckers! Curator Anna Phillips recently recorded an episode of the Smithsonian podcast Sidedoor all about the often underappreciated leech
Deep Sea Doppelgangers: SpongeBob and Patrick Spotted
August 23, 2021
The internet has been abuzz after our own Chris Mah spotted a strikingly familiar sight while reviewing footage from NOAA's Okeanos Explorer - a pink starfish sitting next to a bright yellow sea sponge!
Chad Walter Takes Home a WoRMS Award
July 2, 2021
Please join us in congratulating Chad Walter, retired Museum Specialist and volunteer, on his WoRMS Achievement Award!
Remembering Mary Rice
June 8, 2021
We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Mary Rice, Curator Emeritus and former director of the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Please join us in reflecting on her journey, accomplishments, and legacy.
Spotlight: Klaus Ruetzler
April 8, 2021
In this edition of our Spotlight series, we're taking a look at Klaus Ruetzler! Klaus is Curator Emeritus of Sponges and it is a pleasure to highlight his career and many accomplishments, especially his establishment of the Marine Field Station at Carrie Bow Cay
Spotlight: Dave Pawson
March 11, 2021
In this Spotlight we're highlighting the life and work of Dave Pawson, emeritus Curator of Echinoderms and dear friend of the Invertebrate Zoology department!