Date of Decision: February 13, 2018
Service Center: Nebraska Service Center
Form Type: Form I-140
Case Type: EB1 Extraordinary Ability
Petitioner Information
Profession: Researcher
Field: Sciences (specifically phylogeny, systematics, and biodiversity of insects and spiders)
Nationality: Not specified in the document
Summary of Decision
Initial Decision: Denied
Appeal Outcome: Approved
Evidentiary Criteria Analysis
Criteria Met
Judging the Work of Others:
The Petitioner provided evidence of judging numerous manuscripts for journals and serving as an expert reviewer for a federal research proposal.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
The Petitioner authored 43 scholarly articles and co-authored five book chapters, with significant citation history indicating the influence and recognition of her work in her field.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The Petitioner documented the discovery of 200 new species of insects and revised the taxonomy of 160 spiders. She also described 96 new species of jumping spiders and collected data on 111 species of long-jawed spiders from China, including 41 new species and two new subfamilies. Her contributions were further recognized by other researchers naming new species of spiders after her.
Criteria Not Met
The document does not specify criteria that were not met, as the Petitioner ultimately satisfied the required three criteria upon appeal.
Key Points from the Decision
Awards and Prizes Won:
Not applicable as specific awards or prizes were not mentioned in the document.
Published Materials About the Petitioner:
Not applicable as specific publications about the Petitioner were not mentioned in the document.
Original Contributions of Major Significance:
The Petitioner’s research on insects and spiders significantly contributed to the understanding of these species, leading to the discovery of new species and revisions in taxonomy. Her work has had a substantial impact on the field, influencing other researchers and being recognized through species named in her honor.
Participation as a Judge:
The Petitioner has judged numerous manuscripts for various professional journals and served as an expert reviewer for a federal research proposal, demonstrating her expertise and recognition in the field.
Membership in Associations:
Not specified in the document.
Authorship of Scholarly Articles:
The Petitioner authored 43 scholarly articles and co-authored five book chapters, with her work cited over 500 times, indicating high recognition and influence in her specialized area of study.
Leading or Critical Role Performed:
Not specified in the document.
Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases:
Not applicable as the field of expertise is scientific research.
Evidence of High Salary or Remuneration:
Not specified in the document.
Commercial successes in the Performing Arts:
Not applicable as the field of expertise is scientific research.
Supporting Documentation
The supporting documents included evidence of the Petitioner’s significant contributions to the field, her extensive authorship of scholarly articles, her role as a judge of others’ work, and letters of recommendation attesting to her influence and recognition in the field of phylogenetics, systematics, and biodiversity of insects and spiders.
Conclusion
Final Determination: The appeal is sustained, and the Petitioner is approved for classification as an individual of extraordinary ability.
Reasoning: The Petitioner demonstrated extraordinary ability through sustained national or international acclaim and achievements recognized in her field. She met the evidentiary criteria by providing extensive documentation of her contributions, authorship, and judging activities, supported by recommendation letters from other experts in the field.
Next Steps: The Petitioner may continue her work in the United States, benefiting from her approved status as an individual of extraordinary ability in the sciences.
