The curatorial assistants at the AMCC are the backbone of the lab's operations. Their work consists in accessioning samples both electronically and physically. They also work closely with the donors to coordinate the safe, secure and accurate processing of the samples.

Each case (batch of samples) received at the AMCC is assigned to one of our curatorial assistant, who in turn, will process it depending on the requirement of the donor and the nature of the samples. For this reason, each assistant is assigned a 'speciality' (Vertebrates, Invertebrates, WCS, etc.) in order to facilitate communication between the AMCC and the donor. Each assistant is fully responsible of his or her case until the samples are fully accessioned into the cryogenic vats, at which point it incombs to the Collection Manager to QC the accession of the samples in the permanent collection.

Given the potential diversity of specimens, each case brings a new set of challenges and adaptations which our curatorial assistants are prompt to answer to.

Because working at the AMCC can be challenging and potentially hazardous, our curatorial assistants must always work in pairs. This also helps with the quality control of their work.

Each assistant is also in charge of providing researchers with field collection kits and preparing any required buffer.

Finally, during the year, and particularly during the summer, each curatorial assistant is assigned an intern (either from Hunter College or the AMNH Inside View Program) and is responsible for his or her training.

Joann Mercedes Joann started at the AMCC as an intern from Hunter College. Her skills and enthusiasm was noted early on, and she was soon hired as full time curatorial assistant. She has been working on numerous cases with her colleague, Miriam Delarosa and has participated to several field collection trips (Arizona, Tennessee, Black Rock Forest). She has also been mentoring interns in many different projects. Joann was awarded her Master's in Biotechnology at Hunter College in 2004.