Friel Ready to Lead UA’s Natural History Museum

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Dr. John Friel is trading in the below freezing temperatures that he has grown accustomed to in New York to settle in a slightly warmer climate. The ichthyologist from Cornell University begins his new role today as director of the Alabama Museum of Natural History on The University of Alabama’s campus.

While Friel has no connection to UA or the state, he has lived in Florida and said that he has a strong affinity for the Southeastern U.S., Southern culture and the natural beauty of the area.

“I had always hoped I would be able to find a position that appealed to my love of natural history collections/museums, and would also give me the chance to once again live in the Southeastern U.S.,” Friel said. “Thus, The University of Alabama and its natural history museum seem like a very good match for me.”

With a doctorate in zoology from Duke University, Friel has served as the senior research associate in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology at Cornell since 2008. He has also served as the curator of fishes, amphibians and reptiles at the Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates since 1998.

“Alabama’s incredible biodiversity over the ages is the primary story that we strive to tell at the Alabama Museum of Natural History,” said Dr. William Bomar, executive director of University Museums. “Friel’s background makes him the right person to lead the staff in telling this story.”

Friel said his background as a professional scientist working with natural history collections in a university setting has allowed him both an appreciation for the scientific value of these collections, as well as firsthand experience in the utilization of museum collections for the overall mission of universities in both undergraduate and graduate education.

“I hope to use my past experiences and strengths as an academic scientist to help lead and raise the profile of the Alabama Museum of Natural History and to work with the UA Museums staff to make The University of Alabama a national leader in teaching, research and public service through its museums.

“I am very much looking forward to learning more about the rich history of the various collections at UA. As a collection builder myself, I am not only amazed by the spectacular objects/specimens in the collections, but also by the stories of the past and present collectors that provided these valuable resources for the University,” Friel added. “I cannot wait to delve deeper into the museum’s collections when I arrive.”