Description: Dr. Nancy Knowlton, Marine Scientist at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History researches the ecology and evolution of coral reefs using molecular genetics, field studies, and mathematical modeling. #Groundbreaker
Description: Botanist and suffragette, Mary Agnes Chase, led the Smithsonian's Herbarium, was the eminent expert on grasses, and at the age of 93, published a 3-volume index of U.S. grasses with over 80,000 species. #Groundbreaker
Description: At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, we are determined not to let history repeat itself. From our colleagues at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, who research and track birds in the wild, to our Bird House keepers who care for and breed these animals at the Zoo, we are working together to study, understand and protect common birds
Description: Dr. Mary Baker, Research Organic Chemist & Museum Conservator, Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute (1987–2000), used differential scanning calorimetry to determine the extent of crystallization in order to establish proper storage and handling procedures for spacesuits. #Groundbreaker
Description: The Smithsonian Castle sits just over a mile away from Washington D.C.’s most notable address,1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We are more than just a short walk away from the White House, however—we are directly tied to it and its occupants. Not only does the Smithsonian collect the history of United States Presidents (including, yes, Lincoln’s top hat and even the hair of a few
Description: A clause in the last will and testament of English scientist James Smithson eventually led to his estate being left to the United States "to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” There was much debate as to what constituted such an establishment, but many of the proposals
Description: Senior scientist, Dr. Cynthia Gilmour, is the Director of the Microbial Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's Environmental Research Center where studies microbes that produce methylmercury in order to reduce the risk of mercury pollution. #Groundbreaker
Description: Dr. Marguerite Toscano, Quaternary Marine Geoscientist at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, investigates paleobiologic and paleogeologic topics focused on fossil coral reefs and mangrove deposits of the Caribbean region. #Groundbreaker