Behind the seemingly objective certitude of a date lies an argument about what counts.

Exploring the career, commitment, and mentorship of Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute administrative powerhouse Adela Gómez.

Adela Gómez, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, 1945-83, spent the majority of her years at the Smithsonian as a special administrative assistant to the director. In 1977, she was presented with the Smithsonian Institution Secretary’s Gold Medal for Exceptional Service. #Groundbreaker

Dr. Kristina Anderson-Teixeira, Forest Ecologist, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute & Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, 2012–present, leads the ForestGEO Ecosystems and Climate Program. In 2019, she won the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. #Groundbreaker

Judy Gradwohl was a researcher, curator, environmental policy specialist, digital content developer, and leader at the Smithsonian, 1985–2016. She conducted research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and National Zoo, and eventually became the MacMillan Associate Director for Education and Public Engagement at the National Museum of American History in 2004. Notably, Gradwohl established Smithsonian’s Office of Environmental Awareness and helped produce Smithsonian’s first website. #Groundbreaker

On Love a Tree Day, the Archives discusses the Smithsonian's dedication to trees throughout the world.

Dr. Helene C. Muller-Landau, Lead Scientist, Forest Global Earth Observatory's Global Forest Carbon Initiative, has researched the patterns, causes, and consequences of plant diversity for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute since 2008. As leader of the program, Muller-Landau strives to implement standardized measurements of forest carbon stocks and fluxes across forest research sites. #Groundbreaker

Series of photographs of Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute buildings and research facilities at Barro Colorado, Naos, and Galeta islands, Panama, 1960s.

See Here: a weekly photo feature showcasing images from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution Archives.

See Here: a weekly photo feature showcasing images from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution Archives.