Diatoms of North AmericaDescription: Amateur diatomists
have played an important role in diatom science since the discovery of
diatoms by an amateur in 1703. Some of the most influential amateurs
(Friedrich Hustedt, Niels Foged, and Loren Bahls, to name a few) made,
or are making, significant contributions. However, amateurs often
communicate by alternate outlets from professionals. By highlighting
work by amateurs and describing collaborations with professional
scientists, this presentation demonstrates the value of collaborations.
The talk focuses on the Diatom Forum, an important online network for
connecting investigations of recent and fossil diatoms and for sharing
knowledge and methodologies. As technology has advanced, avid amateurs
have kept pace, as will be shown by discussions and illustrations on the
Forum. At the end of the talk, the discussion period will provide an
opportunity for amateurs and professionals to connect, share ideas, and
develop new collaborations.
Intended audience: This talk is intended for amateur and professional diatomists equally, as well as for the general public.
