The Norris Center supports natural history education and research opportunities at UC Santa Cruz, including a vibrant art+science program. Following in the spirit of Ken Norris, we are building a community of people who carry their passion for the natural world into all aspects of their lives.
Awards
The Norris Center funds a select number of undergraduate student projects, and graduate student projects. See here for more details.
Internships
Internships are available for 2 units (6 hours per week). If you’re interested in an internship please visit our internships page.
Courses
The Norris Center offers and supports a variety of Natural History courses every academic quarter.
- Nature Illustration
- Natural History of the UCSC Campus
- Natural History of Fungi
- Natural History of Birds
- Curation of Natural History Collections
- Natural History Field Quarter
Art + Science
At the Kenneth Norris Center for Natural History we believe in the power of collaboration between the arts and sciences to deepen our understanding of the world. Our Art + Science initiatives represent a unique and dynamic convergence of creativity and inquiry, where artists, scientists, and students come together to explore, engage with, and communicate the natural world in new and innovative ways.
Collections
The Norris Center currently manages over 130,000 specimens of plants, fungi, lichens, insects, and vertebrates, with a focus on terrestrial biodiversity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and central coast of California.
Contact us
The Norris Center supports natural history education and research opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and the greater Santa Cruz community. Following in the spirit of Ken Norris, we are continuing to build a community of people who carry their passion for the natural world into all aspects of their lives.
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10am – 4pm, Friday: 10am – 2pm
Location: Room 239 in the Natural Sciences 2 building at UC Santa Cruz
Email: norriscenter@ucsc.edu
Phone: (831) 459-4763
130,000+
specimens, including insects, fungi, plants, mammals, and birds
60+
Norris Center Interns every academic year
30+
courses supported per academic year
50+
pieces of equipment loaned to courses and students annually