Migratory birds—not subject to citizenship requirements or FAA regulations—cover the globe as they follow the seasons. How do scientists know where an individual bird has gone and where it’s going? Continue reading Every step you take, every flight you make, we’ll be watching you
One thing he’s learned: Don’t pee on a jellyfish sting (use vinegar instead!) Continue reading Allen Collins studies the diversity of jellyfish to help piece together answers about ocean ecosystems
What happens if a red wolf has a bellyache? What if a cheetah suffers from tummy troubles? At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, they call microbiologist Carly Muletz Wolz to investigate. Continue reading Carly Muletz Wolz looks at tiny microbes to answer big questions about our ecosystems
The world’s climate is changing, but how do we know what these changes will mean for the health of our families, farms, and future? Genevieve Noyce is looking for answers. Continue reading Genevieve Noyce sees the future through marsh experiments
John Grant has been searching for evidence that life may have once existed on Mars since he was 16 years old. Continue reading A Smithsonian scientist’s decades-long search for life on Mars
Our ability to look out into space is such a fundamental part of the human experience. Continue reading Kirsten Hall contemplates our role on Earth amidst the cosmos
We hate to break it to you, but a real-world Jurassic Park will never happen. (Ed. note: Probably for the best, considering how many people are consumed in interesting ways in the movies.) Continue reading Eye on Science: Logan Kistler hopes to solve modern problems by studying ancient DNA
When you study animals who spend their lives flying to the ends of the earth (and back again) you make connections across countries, continents and oceans. Continue reading Eye on Science: Autumn-Lynn Harrison is a Migratory Bird Diplomat
They’re all the same person! Meet Chela Zabin, who works in California for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Continue reading Eye on Science: What do a newspaper reporter, a surfer and a marine ecologist have in common?
Dr. Missy Hawkins went to “ALL the college” to become the terrestrial mammal curator at the National Museum of Natural History. Continue reading Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim, and mammals gotta reproduce–all in the name of evolution
The Smithsonian's 12th collaboration with USA Today honors American veterans. Continue reading America’s Veterans: Honor, Service, and Sacrifice
Secretary Bunch announces a generous gift from Lily Endowment to fund the Smithsonian's celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. Continue reading A new $40 million grant will fund America’s 250th programming and events
After three decades answering visitors' questions, is there anything she doesn't know about the Smithsonian? Continue reading Bridget Balog celebrates 30 years with the Smithsonian
Meet the newest member of the OVS staff: An enthusiastic historian and writer with a touch of Army discipline. Continue reading Introducing Troy Huber
The Office of Visitor Services is excited to announce that we are recruiting for a new season of volunteer Smithsonian Ambassadors! Continue reading Ambassadors needed to meet visitors where they are
