Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Zoe Fazio, and I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am interested in research in Geology and Paleontology, and plan to continue my education after undergraduate, with the hope of obtaining my PhD and becoming a professor.

Digitizing Discovery: Creating a Virtual Museum for the EOAS Specimen Collection

Abstract

The goal of our project is to create a virtual museum for the specimens of the Cowart collection, which are displayed in the halls of the EOAS building. We aim to make information about these specimens more accessible to any and all FSU students and other visitors. To accomplish this goal, we conducted literature searches to correctly identify and obtain information on each specimen. We also produced digital scans of select specimens using Artec Leo and Space Spider 3D scanners. This combined dataset was used to build a complementary website, through programs such as Adobe Illustrator and WordPress. By the end of the project, we expect to have developed 10-15 webpages for specimens housed in the virtual museum. In completing this project, we will have created an educational outreach tool, allowing students and anyone who walks into the EOAS building an opportunity to access information that otherwise would not have been directly available. An additional aim of the project is to bring attention to the EOAS department's research and education efforts. 

Keywords: virtual museum, digital collection, marine specimens, fossils