Museum labs perform two primary functions. The first is to process and prepare scientific specimens for analysis and curation. This work is especially important for preparing paleontological and zoological specimens for curation and research. The second purpose of our labs is to perform specialized analyses on the specimens themselves. The museum maintains off-site labs at the ETSU Valleybrook campus supporting research in paleoecology and geochronology. All Gray Fossil Site & Museum labs serve as a training ground for students and researchers to develop skills in scientific methods.
GFS Paleo Lab
Since opening in 2007, the paleontological preparation laboratory at the Gray Fossil
Site & Museum has been dedicated to cleaning, stabilizing, reassembling, and sorting
fossils, predominantly those excavated right here at the Gray Fossil Site. The lab
focuses on processing material quickly and efficiently using specialized preparation
techniques that are reversible and suitable for long-term preservation. Over the years,
our preparators have developed novel techniques to allow more stable and more complete
fossil reconstruction. Almost all lab activities are visible to Gray Fossil Site visitors.
Stats:
- Over 3,000 macrofossils processed each year.
- Over 90,000 pounds of sediment picked for microfossils each year.
- Lab operates in close coordination with field work at the Gray Fossil Site.
- Over 15,000 hours per year logged by students and volunteers in the prep lab and field.
“I consider myself a steward for the people of Tennessee. My job is to make sure these resources will be available for the public for as long as possible.” ~ Shawn Haugrud, Lab and Field Manager
Zoology Prep Lab
The Zoology lab provides a space for the preparation of modern vertebrate specimens
for curation in the Zoology collections. This is a general purpose wet lab where staff,
students, and researchers can perform anatomical dissections. Zoological specimens
are prepared via maceration or dermestid beetle colonies, then cleaned and sanitized
before entering the collection area. All zoological specimens collected by museum
staff or donated from outside sources are legally obtained and treated respectfully
during the preparation process. The lab is managed by a lab technician and provides
a platform for research in non-human anatomy and functional morphology.
Stats:
- Around 100 specimens prepared each year.
- Wide variety of specimens sourced locally and from zoos, wildlife agencies, and other research institutions.
- The lab provides opportunities for students to study vertebrate anatomy through preparation.
“I am fascinated by the variety of animals I get to work with. I might get to study a hyrax one day, then a bear the next, then a serval!” ~ Laura Emmert, Lab Technician