The Foraminarium 3D Project
The purpose of this project is to provide the research and teaching community with access to 3D models (and model data) of foraminifera for teaching and outreach purposes. The minimally processed 3D data (TIF files), processed files for 3D printing (STL files), and models stored on SketchFab are available for download. The minimally processed data provides a tool researchers and teachers can use to generate additional models. For example, the data can be used to make movies or animated gifs, generate 'slices' of the forams (for printing them in half), and more.
Our initial project goal is to generate 3D images of all extant (living) planktic foraminifera species. We have scanned several specimens to include a good example of the holotype specimen as well as to show the taxonomic variability of the species and differences between fossil and plankton tow specimens. We have also scanned several common benthic genera and extinct (Miocene-aged) planktic species. We will continue to expand the project to include additional planktic foraminifera morphotypes, benthic foraminifera, and extinct species. If you have foraminifera shells that can be added to this project, please reach out to us.
This project was made possible by an Oregon State University Learning Innovation Grant awarded to J. Fehrenbacher.
This project would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Foram MicroCT Project Team:
With sincerest thanks to Dorthe Wildenschilde, Doug Meisenheimer, and Maoz Dor at the OSU MicroCT Facility.
Our initial project goal is to generate 3D images of all extant (living) planktic foraminifera species. We have scanned several specimens to include a good example of the holotype specimen as well as to show the taxonomic variability of the species and differences between fossil and plankton tow specimens. We have also scanned several common benthic genera and extinct (Miocene-aged) planktic species. We will continue to expand the project to include additional planktic foraminifera morphotypes, benthic foraminifera, and extinct species. If you have foraminifera shells that can be added to this project, please reach out to us.
This project was made possible by an Oregon State University Learning Innovation Grant awarded to J. Fehrenbacher.
This project would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Foram MicroCT Project Team:
- Theresa Fritz-Enders (OSU Graduate student) spearheaded this project and taught the team how to clean shells, prepare MicroCT pegs for scanning, and process the raw microCT data.
- Undergraduate and graduate students worked hard to clean and photograph individual shells, collect new specimens from plankton tows and local estuaries or provide assistance with the website and/or data processing
- Grace Meyer (OSU Undergraduate)
- Faith Schell (OSU Undergraduate)
- Kelsey Lane (OSU Graduate student)
- Jim Kelly (OSU Undergraduate)
- Will Fehrenbacher (Data processing assistance; LBCC Undergraduate)
With sincerest thanks to Dorthe Wildenschilde, Doug Meisenheimer, and Maoz Dor at the OSU MicroCT Facility.
