Ponce just completed her first year at UF and recently received a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Science for Life Undergraduate Research Award.

“I’m very excited to begin my research,” Ponce said. “I never thought I would have an interest in hawkmoths before starting in Dr. Akito Kawahara’s lab. Then as I settled in and got more involved, I realized how important the work was to understanding biodiversity and species evolution and I became very interested in contributing to the research.”

Ponce is working 30 hours per week this summer and 15 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters studying the DNA and molecular samples of a group of hawkmoths, known as Eumorpha, in Kawahara’s lab at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity on the UF campus. Kawahara, an assistant curator of Lepidoptera at the Florida Museum of Natural History, will serve as Ponce’s mentor and guide her research.

Ponce has worked as an assistant in the lab since October preparing specimens for DNA extraction, analysis and sequencing. As one of the many projects in the lab, students and researchers are working to build an entire evolutionary tree of hawkmoth species to understand the evolution of hawkmoth biology and behavior.

“Dr. Kawahara has been very encouraging,” she said. “I have received a lot of technical advice while I’m in the lab and it is very helpful for the work I will be completing in the next year.”

“Francesca will work to determine the evolutionary sequence of host use and feeding in a particular group of understudied hawkmoths containing 30 or so species,” Kawahara said. “This is a comprehensive project for an undergraduate student. Her research will help our larger study on the evolution of these spectacular insects, their associated plants and predators.”

Nearly 1,500 species of hawkmoths occur worldwide and it is one of the fastest flying insects. The moth’s wingspan can reach 6 inches and it has a curled proboscis, or tongue, up to 12 inches long used to drink nectar.

The Howard Hughes Science for Life program provides talented, motivated and responsible UF students with a rapid start in research and connects them with outstanding faculty mentors as early undergraduates. Research projects often continue for much of the awardee’s career and many lead to undergraduate co-authored publications within peer-reviewed scientific journals or presentations at national meetings.

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Source: Akito Kawahara, 352-273-2018, kawahara@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Dig into geology and discover the ground beneath your feet at the sixth annual “Can You Dig It?” at the Florida Museum of Natural History from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17.

This free, family-friendly event is sponsored by the University of Florida department of geological sciences and features hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations from the Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society, Jackson Stoneworks and Santa Fe College.

“We’ve added some new displays and tables this year,” said Matt Smith, lecturer for the UF department of geological sciences. “We really want to get the people and kids out to see what geology is all about. Lots of kids don’t know what geologists actually do, so every year we try to mix it up and make the event better.”

Some of the new activities this year include demonstrations of making sharp tools from stone, known as knapping, as well as information about the ways minerals are used in our homes and daily lives, how granite countertops are created and what mud and lake sediment can reveal about ancient climate change.

Visitors may also see demonstrations of volcanic eruptions, dig in a “gem mine” to find fossils, gems, rocks and other treasures or watch gem cutting and jewelry making to see how rough stones become finished jewels.

Smith explained the event also seeks to educate students about careers in geological sciences.

“Right now it’s one of the top rated careers by the Department of Labor,” he said. “It’s a career path that has a bright future.”

Visitors may also win prizes by collecting stamps from each activity table during the event.

Food from High Springs Orchard and Bakery and The Pearl Country Store and Barbecue will be available for purchase.

Last year more than 1,500 people attended the event.

For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/canyoudigit.htm or call 352-273-2062.

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Source: Matt Smith, 352-392-2231, mcsmith@ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Can You Dig It? Activities List
10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 17

Volcanic Eruptions (on the hour and half hour starting at 10:30 a.m.)
Learn why some volcanoes erupt explosively while others simply steam. Watch out – ours is ready to blow!

Gem and Fossil Mine
Pretend to be a scientist and sift for gems, minerals and other treasures.

UF Department of Geological Sciences
Learn about the UF geology department, how to become a geologist and why geoscience is an excellent career choice.

Passport Prizes
Grab a passport and collect stamps as you explore geology! Present your completed passport and receive a prize.

Make Your Own Earthquake!
Learn about the Richter scale by creating your own earthquake.

Deep Ocean Drilling
Discover how scientists study the ocean floor through this hands-on activity.

Oreo Plate Tectonics
Discover how mountains are made using Oreo cookies. Learn more about the process behind mountain formation and how the world changes over time.

Work of Water
Learn how water has shaped the Earth’s surface. Then explore what you can do to protect our drinking water supply.

Minerals, Minerals Everywhere
Discover the many uses for minerals in your homes and everyday lives.

From the Ground to Your Home, the Story of “Granite” Countertops
Let the experts from Jackson Stoneworks show you how stone is turned into beautiful countertops.

Tools of a Geologist
Discover the many tools geologists use to study the Earth.

The Rock Cycle and the Santa Fe College Rock Cycle Garden
Learn how rocks are continuously recycled on Earth into new and different forms.

Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society
Meet Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society members and get information about the club, events and ways to join!

Gem Cutting & Jewelry Making
Watch rough and jagged stone transformed into beautiful jewelry by members of the Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society.

Secrets of Sand
Examine sand under a microscope and discover what the tiny grains look like.

Meteorites
Check out these space rocks and see how they differ from those found on Earth.

Knapping: the Craft of Fashioning Tools from Stone
Watch skilled knapper Tom Nutter demonstrate how ancient people fashioned razor-sharp tools from stone.

Geologic Time Tunnel
Explore the “Tunnel of Time” and take a journey back through geologic history.

Exploring the Deep Ocean
Examine deep-ocean volcanoes and see incredible life forms from the deep.

Paleomagnetism
Explore rocks from the past and learn how the North Pole has shifted over millions of years.

Fossils
See fossils of amazing prehistoric life forms and explore Florida’s fossil history.

Paleolimnology: Learning History from Lake Sediment
What can mud tell us about climate and environmental changes? You’ll be surprised to find out.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Applications for the Florida Museum of Natural History summer 2012 junior volunteer program for students ages 12-17 are available beginning March 9 and due April 11.

Applications will be posted online at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/volunteers/vol_juniors.htm and available at Powell Hall, 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville FL, 32611. Applications must be delivered to the museum or postmarked by 5 p.m. April 11.

“I think one of the main benefits for the junior volunteers is the opportunity to have their first real work experience,” said Amy Hester, Florida Museum volunteer coordinator. “All of the work is very hands-on and will hopefully help them discover a field that they’re passionate about. It’s also a great way for high school students to fulfill their Bright Futures service requirements.”

If selected, junior volunteers must serve at least two weeks during the summer or a total of 40 hours if serving as a camp assistant.

A pre-service interview scheduled for April 28 is required for all new applicants, and those selected to serve must attend training June 3.

Junior volunteers may work with students enrolled in summer camps, with children and families in the Discovery Room, interact with visitors in the permanent and temporary exhibits and catch a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes work at the museum.

“Who doesn’t want to help people discover science while working the Discovery Cart or share the joy of a beautiful butterfly with a visitor in the rainforest exhibit?” Hester said. “This program is a great mix of fun and service that keeps the youth coming back.”

Last year more than 120 junior volunteers spent a total of 5,460 hours at the museum.

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Source: Amy Hester, 352-273-2055, ahester@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Learn more about fossil nuts, primates and horses from Florida Museum of Natural History researchers during the “Cruisin’ for Fossils” spring presentation series.

The three free presentations are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 19, March 11 and April 29 in the museum classroom.

Topics include “Cruisin’ for Fossil Nuts” by curator of paleobotany Steve Manchester, “Cruisin’ for Fossil Primates” by associate curator of vertebrate paleontology Jonathan Bloch and “Cruisin’ for Florida’s Fossil Horses” by vertebrate paleontology collections manager Richard Hulbert, respectively.

“I hope visitors learn that paleontology is much more than just digging up bones,” said Amanda Erickson Harvey, Florida Museum education assistant. “Through this series, you can learn about the fascinating research of our scientists and how their work is contributing to our understanding of life on Earth and climate change.”

Manchester plans to take visitors on a journey across North America in search of ancient acorns, chestnuts, walnuts and other varieties of nuts while exploring why their appearance about 50 million years ago coincided with the diversification of rodents.

Bloch will talk about his research on the fossil record of primates from the Rocky Mountains including Montana and Wyoming. He will take visitors on a trip from the origin of primates just after the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, to a massive global warming event, which marks one of the most dramatic events in mammalian evolution, to the origin of the group of primates that includes monkeys, apes and humans about 47 million years ago, including current scientific debate on the topic.

Hulbert’s presentation will span about 30 million years of Florida history, highlighting sites that have yielded the most horse fossils and explaining how paleontologists use them to interpret horse ecology, diet, behavior and evolutionary relationships.

The presentations complement the museum’s newest temporary exhibit “Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway,” which explores questions of evolution, climate change and early life on Earth through the artwork of artist Ray Toll with insights from paleontologist Kirk Johnson. This exhibit also features 30 fossils from the museum’s collection including two complete skeleton casts of the three-horned dinosaur Triceratops horridus and the carnivorous Albertosaurus.

While the presentation is free for all visitors, admission to “Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway” is $5 for adults; $4.50 for Fla. residents, college students and seniors; $4 for ages 3-17 and free for Florida Museum members and children 2 and under.

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Source: Amanda Harvey, 352-273-2052, aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Area residents who have discovered a mysterious fossil while gardening or hiking and would like to learn more about it now have the perfect opportunity.

The Florida Museum of Natural History is hosting “Ask a Paleontologist” events from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 12), March 4, April 15 and May 6.

Florida Museum vertebrate paleontology collections manager Richard Hulbert and Florida Museum invertebrate paleontology collections manager Roger Portell will identify fossils for visitors and share information about paleontology March 4 and May 6. Hulbert is also scheduled for Feb. 12 and Portell for April 15.

“The best way for people to learn is to communicate with those doing the research,” said Florida Museum education assistant Amanda Erickson Harvey. “This is a great opportunity for kids and adults alike to learn about our state’s prehistoric life. Florida is rich with fossils, and research by museum paleontologists continues to expand our knowledge about the animals and plants that lived here millions of years ago. ”

Some fossils commonly found in Florida include bones of large animals, such as 15- to 20-foot-tall giant ground sloths and glyptodonts, 10-foot-long relatives of the armadillo, as well as shark teeth and numerous aquatic invertebrates.

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Source: Amanda Harvey, 352-273-2052, aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Kate Martin
Media contact:  Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Elementary, middle and high school students in Florida who receive an ‘A’ or ‘E’ grade in science can present their latest report card at the front desk and receive a free value admission to the “Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway” and “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibits with a paid regular price adult value admission. Alachua County students receive report cards Feb. 1 and the museum will open the “Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway” exhibit Feb. 4.

The offer is valid until the next report cards are issued. Students receiving another ‘A’ or ‘E’ grade on their next report card would again qualify for the offer through the end of the following grading period.

” ‘A for Science’ is such a popular program that we decided it should not be limited to just a few counties,” said Jaret Daniels, Florida Museum assistant director of exhibits and public programs. “We want to showcase the importance of science statewide, encourage students to do well in school and reward them for receiving outstanding grades.”

The museum extended the program to include students throughout the state in November 2011.

The Butterfly Rainforest is a 6,400-square-foot, lush, tropical garden with hundreds of living butterflies from around the world, including 60 to 80 different species at any given time.

“Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway” features 30 fossils, including a complete skeleton cast of Triceratops horridus, the famous three-horned dinosaur, and an Albertosaurus, a ferocious carnivore that lived about 70 million years ago. The fossils complement 19 color prints and five large-scale murals of Troll’s creative artwork, which illustrates imagined scenes from prehistoric times and brings fossils from the museum’s research collection to life. The exhibit also features a paleontology laboratory where visitors may watch museum scientists, volunteers and students prepare and examine actual fossils from the field.

Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. This offer has no cash value and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

For more information about this promotion or other museum events, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu or call 352-846-2000.

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Source: Jaret Daniels, 352-273-2022, jdaniels@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History and artisans from the Ye’kwana indigenous culture in Venezuela from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 22 and 25 for traditional basket weaving and carving demonstrations.

During the free events, Ye’kwana Simon Caura will create a stool reminiscent of one used by a shaman, or spiritual ruler, and Aurora Rodriguez Caura, one of the founders of Kanwasumi, a women’s basket weaving cooperative in Venezuela, will demonstrate basket weaving. The two also plan to speak with visitors about Ye’kwana culture and answer questions about their traditions and history.

“Our mission is to educate people about indigenous cultures and the troubling issues they face in a global world,” said Laurie Wilkins, president of Earth Bound, a non-profit organization that works with artisan and craft cooperatives and traditional peoples across the world, including the Ye’kwana, and a cosponsor of the program. “Basketry is an intricate part of daily life and more than 30 different baskets are made and used by both men and women,” she said.

Examples of traditional baskets and photos highlighting Ye’kwana village life in an isolated landscape along rivers and lowland tropical forests also will be displayed.

The Ye’kwana are known as the “People of the River” because of their exceptional ability to build canoes and navigate rivers.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the People of the River and some of their traditions,” said Betty Dunckel, director of the Florida Museum’s Center for Informal Science Education. “The program complements the museum’s desired impact of inspiring people to value the cultural heritage of our diverse world. This event also provides an opportunity to collaborate with campus units and Earth Bound. We have found from previous programs that there is a lot of interest from our community in presentations of this nature.”

Only about 3,000 Ye’kwana remain according to Earth Bound, but the culture has maintained many of its ancient traditions including basket weaving, carving and using dugout canoes.

The artisans visit is co-sponsored by the University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies, UF Tropical Conservation and Development program, Earth Bound and the Florida Museum.

The visit coincides with a reception to view the exhibit “Trading Traditions,” from 7 to 9 pm. Jan. 20 at Grinter Gallery on the UF campus. The exhibit explores the rich basket and fiber art of the Ye’kwana of Venezuela and Ayoreo people of Bolivia.

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Source: Betty Dunckel, 352-273-2088, bdunckel@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber and Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

The Florida Museum of Natural History’s new app, currently available through the iTunes store, “Nature Viewing Along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Viewing Trail,” allows users to search for 200 birds, 106 butterflies and 247 flowering plants through a variety of options including name, color, shape and size. The app provides photographs and information about each species.

The app also includes a list of 491 sites along the 2,000-mile trail which extends from the Florida Panhandle through the Keys, as well as information about habit conservation and animals and plants unique to the state.

“This app was really designed for the non-expert, but experienced nature viewers will enjoy it as well,” said Shari Ellis, Florida Museum project coordinator. “We wanted to increase appreciation of Florida’s natural environment and enhance the experience of trail visitors.”

Development of the app was funded with grants of $40,000 from the Florida Wildflower Foundation and $9,500 from the Florida Museum Associates board.

Florida Wildflower Foundation Executive Director Lisa Roberts said the app is an excellent field guide for anyone interested in plants, birds or butterflies.

“Those three are so dependent on one another and learning about the ecosystem as a whole is essential,” Roberts said.

All information and photos are stored on the user’s iPhone, meaning internet access isn’t required to use the app. Because the app requires 416MB, users will need to connect to a Wi-Fi network for the initial download. The app will be available for the iPad by the end of January and an Android version is scheduled for release in late February.

The Florida Museum developed the app with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services entomology and nematology department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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Source: Shari Ellis, 352-273-2066, shellis@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Register your child for a summer of exploration and discovery at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s camps.

The museum offers week-long summer camps from June 13 through Aug. 12 and week-long field camps the weeks of June 27, July 18 and Aug. 1.

“Our summer camp programs are a great opportunity for children to learn about many exciting, interesting topics,” Florida Museum education assistant Amanda Erickson said.

Through activities and hands-on exploration, children enrolled in museum camps will learn about animals, ancient cultures and the environment. Field camps focus on invasive species, insects and plants through activities and fieldtrips.

Summer camps are designed for students enrolled in grades 1-6 for the 2011-12 school year. Morning, afternoon and full-day sessions are available. Field camps are offered for students enrolled in grades 5-6, ages 9-11. All field camps are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Weekly costs for half-day camps are $117 for members and $130 for non-members. Full-day sessions are $225 for members and $250 for non-members. Limited scholarships are available for children of families in need.

Registrations will be accepted by fax, mail or online. Camps will be filled in the order registration forms are received, and confirmation letters will be mailed two weeks from receipt of registration. Register online, www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/summer_camps.htm, or call 352-273-2061 for more information.

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Source: Amanda Harvey (Amanda Erickson), 352-273-2062, aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leila Milgrim
Media contact:  Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Florida Museum Summer Camps

June 13-17
Globetrotters, Asia (Morning Camp)
Island Fever (Afternoon Camp)

June 20-24
South American Mysteries (Morning Camp)
Something Furry (Afternoon Camp)

June 27-July 1
Creature Construction (Morning Camp)
Animal Voices (Afternoon Camp)
Invaders! (Field Camp)

July 18-22
Marine Mammals (Morning Camp)
Ice Age (Afternoon Camp)
Six Legs, More or Less (Field Camp)

July 25-29
Turning Tides (Morning Camp)
Meal Time (Afternoon Camp)

Aug. 1-5
Fantastic Flight (Morning Camp)
Crabs and Crew (Afternoon Camp)
Green Planet (Field Camp)

Aug. 8-12
Blue Florida (Morning Camp)
Life at the Top (Afternoon Camp)

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Event organizer and Florida Museum Archaeology Curator Archaeology Bill Keegan said speakers will touch on topics highlighting the multicultural diversity of the Caribbean and historical interconnections between the islands.

“People think of history as an old, dead subject,” said Keegan, who heads the Florida Museum’s Caribbean Archaeology Program. “But two presenters, both of whom are from the Caribbean, are talking about the influence of the pre-European path in modern society. To my mind this shows that the path is still alive today.”

Time periods under discussion range from 1,000 A.D. to present. Symposium speakers include Florida Museum staff, academic faculty, students and former students.

“One of the best things about the Caribbean Archaeology Program at the Florida Museum is that we’ve been attracting so many students from the Caribbean,” Keegan said. In addition to research, the program trains UF students.

The symposium is named after Ripley Bullen, the Florida Museum’s first curator of social sciences and a pioneer in his field who collected extensive archaeological material throughout Florida and the Caribbean. This year marks the 30th anniversary of his death, and the 20th anniversary of the death of his wife, Adelaide, with whom Bullen worked closely throughout his life.

“Because of Bullen’s pioneering work, the Florida Museum has the second-largest systematic collection of Caribbean archaeology in North America,” Keegan said. “So it seemed fitting that we honor him by naming this symposium after him.”

For more information on the Florida Museum Caribbean Archaeology Program, visit: www.flmnh.ufl.edu/caribarch.

Writer: DeLene Beeland
Media contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu