August 27, 2026
NAPLES, NY,–The Rochester Museum & Science Center is celebrating a scientific breakthrough in its own backyard: a new species of tardigrade found at RMSC’s Cumming Nature Center by citizen scientist Judy Dobles. Tardigrades are microscopic animals found in moss, lichen, and moist forest duff. They are some of the toughest animals on the planet and can survive being frozen, boiled, or dehydrated for years.
Judy Dobles is a longtime naturalist and citizen scientist who has, over the past two years, increased the number of formally recognized tardigrades in New York State from 12 to 27! This find is a bit more special because through Dobles’ sampling, spanning more than 143 sites throughout Cumming Nature Center’s land, she has officially identified a species that is not just new to New York, but new to science altogether.
“Tardigrades are fascinating creatures to me, and there are only 1,549 species globally. It was exciting to look through the microscope and think, ‘Wow, I think this might be a new species.’ There is still so much to discover about the world we live in. I am glad I can be part of that effort and hope my discovery motivates someone else,” said Dobles.
The species was confirmed through genetic and physical analysis, conducted by Dr. Gasiorek, Assistant Professor at Jagiellonian University in Poland. Although common practice includes naming new species using traditional Latin conventions that describe appearance or the discoverer, Dobles went an alternative route, one grounded in place.
CNC sits on the ancestral homeland of the Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca) people of the Hodinöšyö:nih Confederacy. Dobles worked with Jamie Jacobs of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan, to develop a name in the Onöndowa’ga language reflecting the animal’s distinctive surface markings. The name ojagwaji refers to spotting or granulation and is now part of the species’ official scientific name, Mesocrista ojagwaji.
“We are delighted to be a part of Judy’s story and to help showcase how community science can add significantly to our knowledge of the world. Since it was established by the RMSC over 50 years ago, the Cumming Nature Center has worked to deepen curiosity and connection to the natural communities that human beings are a part of,” said Sarah Jacoby Murphy, CNC Director. “Judy inspires all of us to do science exactly where we are. There is so much left to learn about our immense and intricate planet, and each one of us has the capacity to contribute to scientific knowledge in ways large and small.”
Dobles’ path to this discovery began nearly a decade ago through citizen science efforts, including monarch butterfly monitoring, invasive species tracking, and species identification through iNaturalist. This previous work eventually led to her specialized tardigrade training through the Eagle Hill Institute. Beyond her research, Dobles is also a longtime CNC volunteer, where she leads the Eco Book Club and assists with the annual BioBlitz, among other contributions. Her CNC survey became one of the most extensive regional tardigrade studies conducted by a volunteer researcher in the state.
This discovery is a powerful reminder that meaningful scientific discoveries can happen anywhere. It can begin with curiosity, a walking trail, and a willingness to look closely. RMSC encourages people of all ages to pursue the questions that genuinely interest them – whether that means tracking moss-dwelling micro-animals, monitoring birds in your backyard, or simply asking “what is this and why does it matter?” These passion-driven pursuits have the power to shape the next generation of scientists, naturalists, and curious minds while leaving a lasting impact on how we understand the natural world.
The mission of the RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center) is to create a better world through inspiring curiosity, exploration, and engagement across history, science, culture, and the natural world. The RMSC includes the RMSC Museum & Science Center, the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium, and the RMSC Cumming Nature Center. Through more than 100 immersive and interactive exhibits, the Planetarium’s 65-foot dome screen, and almost 900 acres of natural landscape at the Nature Center, the RMSC stimulates community interest in exploration. In addition, the more than 1.2 million RMSC collection items tell the story of the Rochester Region’s past and present, including its rich history of social and technological innovation.
For more information about the RMSC, visit rmsc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.