Behind the Scenes at the Natural History Museum of Utah
Join Dr. Jason Cryan, entomologist and the Sarah B. George Executive Director of the Natural History Museum of Utah, for an unforgettable behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum. Located on the University of Utah's Research Park campus in the foothills above Salt Lake City, the Museum is a vibrant center for research, education, and exploration. Through world-class exhibitions, the Natural History Museum of Utah is committed to showcasing the rich natural and cultural history of Utah and the surrounding region to foster a deeper understanding of our planet's past, present, and future. Their public exhibitions are founded on the Museum's vast scientific collections, which are home to approximately 2 million objects that are carefully preserved for research conducted by the scientists of today and tomorrow. This opportunity includes a tour of NHMU’s restricted collections and research areas, and complimentary admission passes to explore the Museum’s award-winning public spaces. The NHMU Store offers a wonderful selection of gifts and souvenirs, and the Museum’s Canyon Cafe offers a wide selection of items for meals and snacks (https://nhmu.utah.edu/visit/cafe).
Event Address:
Natural History Museum of Utah, 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Event Date:
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Tour Capacity:
20 participants
Event Cost:
Complimentary (FREE): Includes behind-the-scenes tour and admission to public galleries at the Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU), courtesy of Dr. Jason Cryan (Executive Director) and NHMU. As this tour will sell out fast, we kinldy ask that you only sign up if you are committed to attending. Attendees can sign up during the registration process.
Event Itinerary:
10:00 AM: Meet at NHMU (301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108): Participants will meet at the Museum’s main entrance. Jonathan/Fabiane will hold a “PBESA Tour” sign to gather/signal participating tour group.
10:15 AM: Behind-the-scenes tour begins with Jason Cryan (~1 ½ hours).
11:45 PM: After the behind-the-scenes tour wraps up, participants may explore the public galleries of NHMU at their leisure. For those wanting lunch, food is available for purchase at the Museum Cafe (https://nhmu.utah.edu/visit/cafe). NHMU closes at 5:00 PM.
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Behind the Scenes at Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District
Join Dr. Ary Faraji, Entomologist and Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District for a tour of an innovative mosquito and vector control district. Come explore this 15 acre facility, located near the wetland habitats of the Great Salt Lake. Visit the district facilities and discover the various innovative surveillance and control measures adopted by SLCMAD for surveillance, control, and research of mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases. Sightsee the unmanned aerial systems (drones), various 3D printed surveillance traps, fish hatcheries, BSL insectaries and molecular laboratories, and the numerous other equipment and tools utilized by the district. Attendees will be divided into smaller groups and escorted by different staff based on interest: Dr. Greg White, Assistant Director and Microbiologist, will discuss vector-borne diseases; Dr. Michele Rehbein, Education Specialist, will discuss outreach and education; Dr. Chris Bibbs, Laboratory Director, will discuss applied research and various student projects and grants; and Dr. Nate Byers, Molecular Biologist, will discuss pathogen testing and surveillance tools.
Event Address:
Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District
2215 North 2200 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116-1108
Event Date:
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Tour Capacity:
20 participants
Event Cost:
0$ (Complimentary, pizza lunch will be provided at noon for those wishing to stay).
Event Itinerary:
9:00 AM: Meet in front of the Hilton by valet for pickup by SLCMAD staff.
9:15 AM: Arrive at SLCMAD facilities.
9:45 AM: Tour Begins
11:30 AM: Tour Ends and folks transported back to Hotel. Pizza luncheon provided at noon for those wishing to stay longer. All attendees will be provided transportation back to the Hilton (or Airport for those flying directly out).