Select Region
Let's Get Social!


Two NYC Students Discover a New Species of Sea Anenomes

Two NYC Students Discover a New Species of Sea Anenomes

Cherie and Sadie worked alongside scientists from the American Museum of Natural History to discover new sea anemones.


Cherie Qu of Bayside and Sadie Burke of Staten Island were featured as co-authors on a study published this week in American Museum Novitiates that detailed their work in discovering two new species of deep-sea anemones. Cherie, a high school senior, and Sadie, a Reed College freshman, worked alongside Drs. Luciana C. Gusmão and Estefania Rodriguez from the American Museum of Natural History. They conducted research last year as part of the Science Research Mentoring Program at the Museum of Natural History, which gives students the opportunity to be mentored by the museum’s scientists.

Scolanthus shrimp and Scolanthus celticus are previously undescribed species of burrowing anemones that live in the Whittard Canyon, a deep-see valley of the coast of Ireland. Sclanthus shrimp is named after the SRMP, where participating students are known as “srmpers.” Scolanthus celticus is named after the Celtic Explorer, the research vessel that collected anemone specimens in ocean depths of more than 3,000 feet. Dr. Gusmão, Cherie, and Sadie analyzed the morphology and genetics of each organism they collected to determine the two species had not been recognized before.



Students in the Science Research Mentoring Program must dedicate at least four hours per week to their projects and commit to the program for one year. According to the museum, research projects span the fields of cultural and biological anthropology, conservation science, evolutionary biology, genetics and genomics, taxonomy, systematics, earth and planetary science, and astrophysics. To qualify to apply, students must be on track to complete four American Museum of Natural History credits by the end of the year they apply for SRMP. These credits can be earned through Saltz, the museum’s after school program courses (at least one credit must be from an after school program), or Lang Research. Students must go to school and or live in the city. For more information on the program, visit the museum’s website.

Main Image: Courtesy American Museum of Natural History

RELATED: Find after school programs for your child!

More News Articles:

What Is Open in NYC on Christmas Day?

Christmas day is a wonderful time to explore the attractions of the New York City area. Here's what is open in NYC on Christmas day this year.


Latest News:

LuminoCity Festival of Holiday Lights Returns for 2022

LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival has returned for the 2022 season and will be on display through Jan. 9, 2023.


Family Activities:



Have a Laugh:

Best Memes of the Week for Parents

Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.
Jacqueline Neber

Author: Jacqueline Neber is a social journalism MA candidate at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. When she’s not reporting, you can find her petting someone else’s dog. See More

Featured Listings:

Park Shore Country Day School

Park Shore Country Day School

Dix Hills, NY Park Shore is a renowned preschool and kindergarten located in Dix Hills on 15 beautiful acres, centrally located in Suffolk County. Park Shore offers...

Long Island Tutorial Services

Long Island Tutorial Services

Sayville , NY Students on home instruction have different needs schedules and expectations than their classmates. Understanding and addressing these dynamics are ou...

Kumon of Suffolk

Kumon of Suffolk

Kumon is the world’s largest after-school math and reading program. The Kumon Method has helped millions of children achieve more than they ever thoug...

Our Mindful Child

Our Mindful Child

Little Neck, NY OMC is a learning center founded by a clinical neuropsychologist with the vision of helping children (K-5) build an integrated self through the acquis...