Trochdoras Griffithii

Trochdoras Griffithii, a thorny catfish of the family Doradidae, is found in the Amazon basin and is named after me. The scientific crew at the Academy of Natural Sciences, where I recently stepped down as Chair, named it so. To be recognized by the Academy's scientists is an honor and one I sincerely appreciate. The why is the rest of this post.

The call to join the scientific community is to answer a unique and personally impactful call. First, you must be wired to be curious, dedicated, disciplined, and very curious. The second is time for education, fieldwork, lab work, publication, and grant applications, a never-ending cycle. In the case of the Academy, front-of-house contributions are also required, whether in-house or in the community. Third is the willingness to balance personal life, professional life, job location, fieldwork, funding demands and still find love for the work they do.

I respect and thank all of the above, as they make a museum and research institution like the Academy work and thrive. Add the additional work of teaching in the BEES ( Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Sciences) program at Drexel,  mentoring young women in the WINS ( Women in Natural Sciences) program, the team in the Patrick Center focused on clean water research,  our collection scientists, librarians, and curators, and you realize how unique these individuals are.

You have my respect, admiration, and thanks. It is an honor to be recognized in this way. However, what you all do and stand for deserves the real recognition. You and your colleagues who make up the Academy team are, indeed, a “Force for Nature.”

No matter what my role is going forward, I will always stand with and support you and your work.  It has been my honor. Thank You,

Dave