The Molluscan Science Foundation
About
The Molluscan Science Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on advancing the scientific study of mollusks, their medical application, and the conservation of species diversity and habitats.
The foundation seeks to raise awareness about our beautiful blue planet through education and the direct observation of seashells. Our hope is to protect marine life from critical threats like global warming, overfishing, and plastic pollution.
Our Team
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 Dr. Michael Mont
Co-founder
Dr. Michael Mont is the co-founder of the Molluscan Science Foundation and a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon known for his groundbreaking work in joint preservation and reconstructive surgery. With more than 30 years of experience and over 15,000 successful surgeries, he brings scientific expertise and a lifelong curiosity for the natural world to the foundationâs mission.
A passionate conchologist and dedicated collector, Dr. Mont focuses on advancing the study of molluscan diversity, anatomy, and evolution. His work preserves knowledge and biodiversity for posterity and supports education, conservation, and future discovery for generations to come.
Dr. Felix Lorenz
Co-founder
Felix Lorenz is the co-founder of the Molluscan Science Foundation and an internationally recognized malacologist. With decades of field experience as a scuba diver and researcher, he has dedicated his career to exploring, documenting, and classifying mollusks, with a particular focus on cowries. A prolific author, Felix has published extensively on molluscan biodiversity, taxonomy, and evolution. Through his research, fieldwork, and global expeditions, he continues to advance scientific knowledge and promote the conservation of marine life for posterity.
Judith Gale
 Director of Education
As Director of Education for the Molluscan Science Foundation, Judith Gale combines her roles as educator and environmental advocate to foster meaningful connections between children, communities, and the wonders of marine life.
She leads the creation of educational programs and resources, documents molluscan diversity through detailed photography, and helps manage and organize the foundationâs collections. Her work supports the foundationâs mission to promote understanding, conservation, and stewardship of our oceans for future generations.
Kevin Monsecour
Scientific Consultant
Kevin Monsecour, born in Belgium in 1979, is a biologist, educator, and malacologist passionate about mollusks since his early teens. He has described over 100 new species, primarily within the Columbellidae family, and serves as an Honorary Research Associate at the Natural History Museum of Paris. Kevin founded the Shells@School project, bringing mollusk education to students across Belgium, supported by the Molluscan Science Foundation. He also contributes to MSF by cataloging collections, creating educational materials, and expanding the foundationâs research resources.
Louie Rundo
Contributor
Lou Rundo is a biologist, educator, and lifelong shell enthusiast based in Ohio, where he fondly calls the rivers his oceans. With over 20 years of experience teaching high school biology, he uses shells as tools to spark scientific curiosity and discovery in the classroom. Lou has studied mollusks across the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica, with particular interests in marine families like Ranellidae, Personidae, and Bursidae, as well as freshwater Unionidae mussels. At the Molluscan Science Foundation, he leads educational outreach projects and develops Discovery Specimen Sets used by students nationwide to explore molluscan diversity and evolution.
Dr. Peter Stahlschmidt
Researcher
Peter Stahlschmidt is a dedicated researcher with the Molluscan Science Foundation, contributing to scientific studies of mollusks, their taxonomy, ecology, and conservation. His work supports MSFâs mission by advancing our knowledge of molluscan biology and strengthening our capacity for science-driven decision making in marine ecosystems.
Dr. Peter Stahlschmidt and Dr. Felix Lorenz (April 2024)
Our Story
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The story of the Molluscan Science Foundation began in January 2012, when Dr. Michael Mont and Felix Lorenz met and quickly bonded over a shared passion for shells and the fascinating world of mollusks. What started as a mutual enthusiasm soon grew into a shared vision: to transform their love of collecting into a mission with purpose and impact. Together, they imagined an organization that would advance the science of malacology, promote education, and protect marine biodiversity for future generations. From that vision, the Molluscan Science Foundation was born. A place where curiosity, research, and conservation come together to celebrate and safeguard the beauty of life beneath the waves.
