Amphipod Taxonomy Workshop, October 10-13, 2005 (instructed by Dr. James Thomas, Dr. Richard Heard, and Sara LeCroy). This workshop focused on practical techniques and procedures used in amphipod taxonomy and identification. Through a series of presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, participants gained knowledge and expertise on the biology, ecology, and behavior of this diverse and abundant peracarid crustacean group. The instruction methods emphasized a blend of traditional taxonomic methodology and the tools of modern technology. Upon completing the workshop, participants were able to readily identify and diagnose amphipod crustaceans, as well as prepare identification guides and keys.

Taxonomic Workshop on the Identification of Echinoderms from the Atlantic Coast of the Southeastern United States, May 2-4, 2005 (instructed by Dr. David Pawson, NMNH and Dr. Stephen Stancyk, USC). This workshop served to train advanced students, educators, and scientists in the systematics and identification of the Echinodermata of the southeastern United States. Emphasis was placed on diagnostic morphological characteristics and the use of keys. Over three days, participants gained practical knowledge in the identification of the echinoderms and a grasp of their diversity, systematics, ecology and reproductive biology.

The Larval Fish Taxonomic Workshop, January 11-14, 2005 (instructed by Dr. John Olney, VIMS, Dr. John McGovern, NMFS/NOAA, and Dr. Joanne Lyczkowski-Shultz, NMFS/NOAA). This workshop focused on training advanced students, educators, and scientists in the systematics and identification of larval fish of the Southeastern United States. Over four days, participants were instructed on the identification of larvae of regional fish families, with emphasis on the use of keys. Students were also taught dissecting, staining and preservation techniques and given an overview of current teleostean systematics.

The 6th Crustacean DELTA Workshop, October 25-29, 2004. (instructed by Jim Lowry, Australian Museum, and
Terry Macfarlane, Western Australian Herbarium). This workshop served to train taxonomists to use DELTA (DEscriptive Language for TAxonomy), a windows based taxonomic database that stores morphological data and illustrations and them available in the form of natural language descriptions, illustrated interactive keys, and as output for phylogenetic analyses.


Workshop on Taxonomy and Identification of Marine Fishes, with an Emphasis on Western North Atlantic Species, July 13-15, 2004. (instructed by Dr. Antony Harold, GML/CofC, and Dr. Randall Mooi, Milwaukee Public Museum). This workshop served to train participants in the systematics and identification of marine fishes of the southeastern United States. Designed for graduate students, postdoctoral investigators, other investigators studying the biology of marine fishes, and professional resource managers, the workshop provided an introduction to fish taxonomy, phylogenetic systematics, curatorial issues in research, and an introduction to the use and application of dichotomous keys and descriptive accounts. Field activities aboard the R/V ANITA of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources allowed students to obtain an array of fresh material for identification in the laboratory.

Taxonomic Workshop on the Identification of Decapod Crustacea from the Atlantic Coast of the Southeastern United States, January 21-23, 2004. (instructed by Dr. Darryl Felder, UL Lafayette, Dr. Richard Heard, USM, and Dr. Elizabeth Wenner, SCDNR). This workshop served to train advanced students, educators, and scientists in the systematics and identification of decapods of the Southeastern United States. Emphasis was placed on diagnostic morphological characteristics and the use of keys.