1. Home ›
  2. Collections ›
  3. Robert E. Gordon Vertebrate Collection

Robert E. Gordon Vertebrate Collection

The Museum houses about 5,000 specimens of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals in two specially designed rooms. The liquid-preserved collection, consisting of mostly fishes, amphibians and reptiles, is named for Professor Robert E. Gordon (1929-1996). Dr. Gordon was a vertebrate zoologist and specialist in eastern North American salamanders.  He came to Notre Dame’s Biology Department in 1958, serving as Editor of the American Midland Naturalist from 1958 to 1964, and chairman of the Department from 1964 to 1967.  He served as Associate Dean of the College of Science from 1967 to 1971, and was Notre Dame’s first Vice President for Advanced Studies (1971-1989) and the first director of the University of Notre Dame Environmental Research Center (UNDERC).  He had great enthusiasm for natural history, and recognized the importance of independent research in the educational experience and development of undergraduates.

Mbimg 04cRobert E. Gordon

Mbimg 04dRobert E. Gordon

Mbimg 04eRobert E. Gordon Vertebrate Collection Plaque

78aRobert E. Gordon Vertebrate Collection