Dear Friend of the Essig,

A collection of 5 million little barometers of the changing planet! 

The events of this year have highlighted the value of the Essig Museum to understanding biodiversity response to change, with the Museum collections serving as a reference and genomic barometer. We are currently using genome sequencing and artificial intelligence to examine how invasive species are impacting our environments, the effects of the recent fires on the insect communities, and how climate change is affecting insect diversity along elevation gradients and across the entire state.

A key component in all of our research is to provide training opportunities for the next generation. As part of the project on biodiversity genomics, our graduate students are engaging citizen scientists to collect spider specimens and training undergraduate students in the laboratory through our Eight-eyed Expedition. The museum has had a long-term commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the empowerment of under represented groups and these kinds of outreach efforts allow us to reach diverse and under-served communities across California.

The Essig Museum endeavors to engage students of all ages and backgrounds in the critical biodiversity research of the Museum. Your support allows us to expand this role and bring the understanding of biodiversity into communities where the relevance is often the most tangible.

 Please consider donating to the Essig Museum as part of the Big Give today.

Your gift helps the Essig:

• Train the next generation of entomologists and biodiversity scientists; engage these students and provide them with the tools they need to address the biodiversity crisis.
• Build tools for connecting with a broader audience, in particular allowing us to expand our virtual presence and reach.

Your gift will make you part of a new biodiversity movement that can empower the next generation of entomologists and scientists. As the world changes around us, the role of the Essig Museum in providing the needed knowledge, has never been more important, and a gift from you will allow the needed connection between knowledge and training.

Sincerely,
Rosemary Gillespie, Professor
Director, Essig Museum of Entomology