Stories of Science

Behind every scientific finding, data point, or graph, there’s a human story. The story might be about a scientist who has a "Eureka!" moment in the laboratory or field. It could be about a team of archeologists who build camaraderie as they struggle with bad weather, mosquitoes, and equipment failure on the way to a successful field season. Perhaps it's about a teenaged citizen science volunteer who falls in love with ponds and aquatic insects and decides to attend college and major in biology. Regardless of the particulars, science is always a human adventure.

To be sure, science is a way of knowing about our world. It's motivated by curiosity and wonder and steered by skepticism and critical thinking. Because of that, science is also a way of being human, and even a way of caring about our world. Here we highlight some of the human stories behind the research taking place in national parks.

A woman is on her hands and knees with a helmet on in a cave.
Studying Nature

From moose and microbes to stars and streams, discover what it means to study nature in our national parks.

Three people on an archaeology dig.
Studying Past Cultures

Learn how scientists discover our past to better understand and preserve our future.

Person in a yellow vest surveys two visitors on a sidewalk
Studying People

Find stories about social science research on how people behave, think, feel, and interact with parks.

Historic image of people in the field.
Science History

Science history in the National Park Service and the role of parks in science breakthroughs.

A black and white portrait of a woman
Featured Story: Dr. Virginia Alexander

Dr. Virginia Alexander was a Black doctor & public health expert. Her work showed how segregation and racism harmed Black Americans' health.

Last updated: December 6, 2023

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