The Story of Gems and Minerals at NHM
How did the Museum acquire all of its gem and mineral specimens over time?
Download "95 Years of Gems & Minerals at NHM" (PDF) to read all about how this popular department has grown. Learn more >
What's a Meteorite?
Is that rock in your backyard really from outer space?
Find out how to identify meteorites and much more info on our Mineral Science FAQs page. Learn more >
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Staff Biographies
Anthony R. Kampf, Ph.D., Curator
Dr. Kampf joined the Natural History Museum staff in January 1977, immediately after earning his Ph.D. in mineralogy and crystallography from the University of Chicago. He was instrumental in the creation of the Museum’s world-renowned Hall of Gems and Minerals, which opened in 1978, and through the years he has implemented many additions and improvements to the gallery. Since 1980, Dr. Kampf has been Curator of the Mineral Sciences Department and has overseen the growth of the Museum's mineral and gem collections, from about 20,000 to more than 150,000 specimens. He conducts research principally in the areas of descriptive mineralogy, crystal chemistry, and structural crystallography — focusing on the characterization of new or inadequately described minerals and is the U.S. delegate to the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature, and Classification of the International Mineralogical Society.
Alyssa R. Morgan, M.S., Collections Manager
In September 2007, Alyssa Morgan joined the Mineral Sciences Department as Collections Manager. Alyssa began collecting rocks and meteorites as a child, which was the beginning of a life-long passion for science. She received her bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Washington and her master’s degree in Geological Sciences from Brown University. Her specialties were experimental igneous petrology and planetary geology. Her research focused on the petrogenesis of lunar volcanic rocks and the composition and evolution of the lunar mantle.
Jean D. Brandt, Gem & Mineral Council Coordinator
Jean came to the Natural History Museum for the first time in 1935 and it was love at first sight. Over the years, she spent many happy hours in the Museum and shared her enthusiasm and commitment with her two children. In 1984, she became a founding member of the Bird Council and in 1985 started to work for Dr. Ralph Schreiber in the Ornithology Department. She went on to become the “go-to” person for not only the Bird Council but also the Automobile Council and the Gem & Mineral Council. In 1987 Jean left the Museum to work at MGM Film Distribution, but she continued to serve on the Gem & Mineral Council's Board of Directors as both a member and then as president for three years. After her retirement, from MGM in 1997, she returned to the Museum assuming her current position as the Gem & Mineral Council coordinator. While continuing her longstanding passion for birding, Jean has now become very much hooked on gems and minerals.