We're excited to bring Dr. Holly Lutz to the team as a curator of mammals in the Science Division at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
The Museum is lucky to have Holly, who brings a powerful dedication to science, investigation and public education that are invaluable to furthering the Museum’s mission to ignite our community’s passion for nature and science.
To learn more about Holly, we asked her a couple of questions:
What do you do as a curator of mammals?
As a curator of mammals, my job is to make sure that the collections we care for at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are shared with the world to help educate the public and support scientific research. I am also responsible for growing these collections and ensuring that we keep pace with improving technology to maximize their utility. This means comprehensively sampling every individual – from preserving different tissue types to collecting all the parasites and microbial symbionts that live in and on each animal.
Taking a close-up look at an African black-headed oriole (Oriolous larvatus) on Mount Gorongosa, Mozambique. (Photo/ Federico Pardo)
What do you most look forward to in your new Museum position?
I am excited to work with people who share my passion for exploration and discovery of the natural world, as well as how humans have influenced – and been influenced by – the different environments in which we have lived. I hope that through our shared interests, we can develop programs that lead visitors to care just as much as we do about the fascinating world around us.
What is a top career highlight?
Discovering meaningful links between bats, their microbes and parasites has been a really exciting result of my recent research, but I think a real highlight is having a new species of avian louse named after me.
What are you passionate about, personally and/or professionally?
I am passionate about observing and conserving biodiversity on our planet and sharing this passion with others. We cannot protect what we do not know, so helping others to experience and appreciate biodiversity is what drives me most.
Caving for bats on Mount Morungole in northern Uganda. (Photo/ William Daniels for National Geographic)
What is your favorite hobby?
To be honest, walking my cat outdoors (leashed of course!) is probably my favorite hobby. Walking a cat takes patience, and it really helps me slow down and observe the smaller things in my environment – from newly emerging plants to the insects and animals that rely on them for sustenance. Aside from that, I love foraging for wild clay and working with ceramics, as well as experimenting with natural stains and dyes.
Holly and her cat. (Photo/ courtesy of Holly Lutz)
We're excited to welcome Holly to our Museum community and can't wait to see the fresh insights she'll bring. Welcome aboard, Holly—we’re thrilled to have you with us!