The Museum of Systematics and Ecology (MSE) functions within the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology (EEMB) as a program-orientated facility that includes traditional roles of natural history museums such as biotic inventories, systematics, and biogeographic studies, voucher specimen preparation, and public exhibits, as well as extended roles such as organismal-level ecological studies, ecosystem evaluations, habitat management, and environmental impact analysis and planning. The academic mission of MSE is to provide research and educational services for DEEMB and to initiate and support research and educational services at the campus, University-wide, regional community, and professional levels.

History

The Herbarium of the University of California, Santa Barbara was founded by Dr. C.H. Muller in 1945 to provide support for the plant taxonomy and ecology courses that he taught. By 1948, a small working collection had been accumulated which was housed in a herbarium case in Dr. Muller's office. In 1956, Dr. Muller was officially appointed as Curator of the herbarium and he served in that position until 1966.

The Vertebrate Collections were founded by Dr. Mary Erickson in 1962 to provide support for the vertebrate zoology courses. Soon after her retirement in 1972, responsibility for the collections was assumed by Dr. Stephen I. Rothstein. At this point, the opportunity to develop collections with research potential was recognized and begun. Dr. Samuel Sweet, Associate Professor, has been responsible for the greatest growth of the collections.

Facilities

The Museum of Systematics and Ecology is located on the second floor of Noble Hall on the UCSB campus. The facilities include the Herbarium which houses the Vascular Plant Collection, Algae Collection, Lichen Collection, Paleobotany Collection and other special collections. The Zoological Collections are located across the hall from the Herbarium and houses both the Vertebrate and Invertebrate Collections. The Vertebrate Collections consist of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. The Fish Collection is located in a separate building adjacent to Noble Hall. All collections are in close proximity to their research and teaching applications.

The Museum of Systematics and Ecology