I am the new Assistant Curator of Herpetology at the Virginia Museum of Natural History and I really likes snakes! Broadly, I am interested in using population genomics, speciation, and community ecology to understand species- and community-level resilience to our changing world. At the moment I am exploring these evolutionary topics using squamates and amphibians from Africa and adjacent islands, thePacific northwest, and southwest US.
Arianna Kuhn, PhD 
Arianna,
Great lecture today at the discovery center! Now my daughter hasn’t been able to stop talking about becoming a field researcher. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the passion you have for your work. That, in combination with your friendly attitude and demeanor, is what caught her attention. Thank you again.
Best,
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Thank you so much for your kind feedback! I am very lucky to have opportunities through the AMNH to share my research with young scientists. If your daughter ever has any questions about my job or the museum, please feel free to forward them – there are many great opportunities for science/research-oriented kids (even at young ages) through the museum’s youth initiative programs, let me know if you have any questions!
Cheers,
Arianna
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Wow, that’s great to know. I’d like to hear where I can keep track of these opportunities, she loves going to events like the ones at the discovery center! She did want to see more of what happens everyday in your profession. Is there a place we can view your work (and maybe others) on the daily while your getting dirty in the field?
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My son loved your discovery center lecture on Saturday. He loves the discovery center and animals and wants to be a zookeeper when he grows up but maybe more meet the scientists will move him toward being a scientist.
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I am so glad he enjoyed the talk! Lots of other cool opportunities to interact with and learn about animals through the museum’s other educational programs!
For example, check out https://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/pre-k-to-grade-2/the-science-and-nature-program/
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Very cool website:) you have been on some mega trips:.
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Great lecture on genomics and their use in understanding snakes and their evolution.
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