257-15 Building the Next Generation of Paleontologists: Integrating Museum Lab Techniques and Fieldwork into Undergraduate Research Training

Session: Diversifying Geoscience Education Across the Academic Playing Field: Using Creative Methods to Foster the Current and Next Generations of Geoscience Professionals (Posters)

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Developing technical proficiency and field confidence is critical for undergraduate students aspiring to pursue careers or advanced degrees in paleontology. This project outlines a multi-institutional, hands-on approach to undergraduate paleontological research training that incorporates both museum laboratory techniques and diverse field experiences. Students received direct instruction and practice in fossil preparation methods including mechanical and chemical matrix removal, adhesive and epoxy stabilization, plaster jacketing, and the use of air scribes, core techniques used by professional preparators in paleontological laboratories. Complementing lab training, students participated in fieldwork across varied depositional environments in New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Florida. These field sites introduced students to sedimentological differences, fossil recovery strategies, and stratigraphic documentation in shale, limestone, and unconsolidated sediments.

In addition to fieldwork and campus-based lab preparation, students visited several regional museums where they observed and learned new fossil preparation techniques through behind-the-scenes tours and informal instruction from museum staff. Inspired by these experiences, many students have continued their training by volunteering at a local museum’s paleontology lab, where they are actively engaged in fossil cleaning, stabilization, and cataloging.

The pedagogical goal of this initiative is to equip students with a strong foundation in practical paleontological methods, bolster their confidence in scientific research environments, and improve their competitiveness for graduate programs. Preliminary reflections and outcomes from student participants suggest that immersive, skills-based training, supported by museum partnerships and real-world application, increases science identity and readiness for future academic and professional endeavors. This model offers a scalable and adaptable approach to undergraduate paleontology education, emphasizing equitable access to authentic research experiences.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

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