The Springfield-Annandale chapter of the AAUW invites you to a presentation by two scientists from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Dr. Carla J. Dove is the Program Director of the Feather Identification Lab, one of the only laboratories in the world specializing in the microscopic identification of feathers and “snarge” (bird remains from aircraft collisions). With a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University, Dr. Dove frequently collaborates across disciplines and has consulted with numerous federal agencies.

Dr. Missy Hawkins’ research focuses on phylogenomics, taxonomy, evolution, and biogeography, using museum specimens - often more than a century old - to study diverse mammal lineages across Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and Eastern Africa. She also serves as the sole curator of terrestrial mammals for the largest mammal collection in the world and is the first female curator of mammals since the museum’s founding. Together, they represent groundbreaking leadership in scientific research, conservation, and museum scholarship.

Ages 13 and up welcome.