Thursday, December 2, 2021

Remembering Dr. Leo Carson Davis


Dr. Carson Davis at the 2004 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meeting with ReBecca Hunt-Foster and Blaine Shubert, at the time we were the only three vertebrate paleontologist in the state of Arkansas!

I met Dr. Davis in person around the summer of 1994. I was 15 years old and had an interest in vertebrate paleontology. His name had been passed on to me as the ONLY Member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology living in Arkansas around 1993. I wrote him a letter, and he wrote back, and we became pen pals. It was great fun for me to have someone to talk to pre-email, and he would send me postcards and letters from all his adventures, journal articles, newspaper clippings, and book about VP science making the news, and occasionally would send invertebrate fossils to identify, which I would mail back, and he would let me know how I was doing.  The summer of 1994 he invited my mom, sister, and I up to Peccary Cave to help excavate for an afternoon (I also met Ken Ball at this dig). It was great fun, and I remember climbing over a pile of guano in the cave, trying to not bump the sleeping bats on the roof, in order to get to the pit where he was digging. As a kid, this pit looked deep! It was a dark shaft with a ladder, which I climbed down. An auto light was lowered down so I could see, and the ladder was pulled out of the pit. They would lower a bucket on a string which I would fill with sediment that we later would screen wash for fossils by the nearby creek. This was my first fossil excavation experience, and it was very memorable and fun!

When I was in college at the University of Arkansas, he was my sponsor to the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, which I joined in 2000. Dr. Davis helped me with my undergraduate senior thesis on Arkansaurus fridayi, and was my mentor for the 2003 Arkansas Undergraduate Research Conference Annual Meeting where I first presented on these fossils. He had introduced me to Mr. Joe Friday who discovered the fossils and met me in the field to show me where they had been discovered and for some prospecting. We kept in touch as I left for grad school, and as I moved around to my various jobs over the years, always sending letters and postcards, which I still cherish. We would occasionally see each other at Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meetings, and it was always great to catch up. Without his early encouragement and mentorship, I know I would not be where I am now in my career. His kindness has left a mark on me, and I remember it every time I receive a letter from a kid who also loves fossils, and I make sure to write them back and continue to pass on the mentorship and support that I received from Dr. Davis. I owe him so much and very much appreciate the time he took on an enthusiastic Arkansas kid who had fallen in love with fossils. He helped open up the world of paleontology for me, and his support and friendship has meant the world to me over these years. I will always remember him fondly and continue to pass down the mentorship he shared with me to our next generation of young scientists.     

Obituary: https://www.arkansasonline.com/obituaries/2021/nov/28/leo-davis-2021-11-28/

Memory Wall: https://www.lewisfuneralhome.biz/obituaries/Leo-Davis-6/


2013 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meeting "fighting" over a USGS monograph on the Paleozoic of Arkansas

2012 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meeting 






© ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster

Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum project has gone global!

Dusting off the old blog to help out a good cause. Below is a message from the good folks at Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative (PCDI). They have started a crowd-funding campaign in order to raise money to build the The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum. Please read their press release below and think of contributing!

Hope everyone is well out there! ~ ReBecca

$1,000,000 in 120 Days 

The PCDI launches a crowd-funding campaign on Friday


Bring in the crowds! This Friday, Oct. 12, the Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative (PCDI) is launching a crowd-funding campaign to help build the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum. Hosted by Indiegogo.com, the Initiative is aiming to raise $1,000,000 in 120 days.

For those not familiar with crowd-funding, this is a relatively new, fun and fast-paced way to raise funds online for projects of any size and scope.

 The premise is simple. The site gives projects space to create an online profile outlining their mission. Would-be donors can go online to read about the project, explore the positive impacts it will have, check out a photo gallery, watch videos and generally decide if they’re interested in contributing to its success. Donors can then donate online, through a secure credit card payment or Paypal ™, similar to online shopping.

The Initiative’s campaign launches this Friday at Indiegogo.com/curriemuseum.

 Donations start at a minimum $10 and can be any amount thereafter. Gifts called ‘perks’ are provided according to the size of donation. These range from a museum pin all the way up to a naming opportunity on a room or gallery in the museum. Other perks include a limited edition print by acclaimed palaeo-artist Julius Csotonyi and an autographed book by Dr. Philip Currie. The entire list of perks is available at the online campaign profile.

“This campaign already has a lot of excitement surrounding it. We’re urging all community members to go and donate,” said PCDI executive director Brian Brake, “Every bit makes a difference when it’s a crowd.”

Indiegogo.com is a well-respected crowd-funding host site. Some may recall the story of Karen Klein, the bus monitor in Greece, New York who was videoed this past July as she was verbally harassed by some youth on a bus. After the video was made public, a Good Samaritan created a profile for Klein on Indiegogo.com to raise money to give her a vacation. For a $5,000 goal, over $720,000 was raised.

 “One of the most important things is to spread this around the world,” said Brake. “We’re asking everyone to put it on their Facebook and Twitter accounts and email it out to their entire contact list. We have 120 days to hit our goal; we need people to move quickly.”

The Philip J. Currie Museum currently has $17.4 million raised of $30 million. A sponsorship program engaging the local municipalities to bring that figure up to $27.4 million is currently underway. To complete the funding, a naming opportunities sponsorship program is also in progress, offering significant donors the chance to have their name affixed to a room, display or area in the museum. The projected timeline for the museum’s creation includes going to tender in January 2013, breaking ground in April 2013 and hosting a grand opening in June 2014.

Don’t forget to view the campaign profile at Indiegogo.com/curriemuseum!




About the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum
and Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative

The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum will preserve and display the unique fossils of northwestern 
Alberta and serve as a regional centre of excellence for tourism, science, heritage preservation and 
education. Major outcomes of the proposed cultural and scientific institution include enhanced economic 
and cultural development and increased knowledge of the Cretaceous geology that forms the bedrock of 
Alberta’s oil and gas industry. The museum, with a footprint of 41,000 square feet, will be located on a 
10-acre site in the Town of Wembley, Alberta, on the highway to Alaska. The facility will have a 
significant positive impact on the local area’s learning opportunities in the fields of culture, heritage and 
science through its interactive displays, resident experts and curriculum-based educational programs. 
The museum will house two classrooms, a 64-seat theatre, restaurant with drive-thru service, gift shop, 
boardroom, tourism visitor services, 12,000 square feet of interactive and interpretive displays, a scientific 
laboratory, fossil curatorial space and a 120-vehicle parking lot. The Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative 
is the omnibus term for the project team tasked with the realization of the museum.


For more information please contact:
Erika Sherk
PCDI Communications and Marketing Manager
phone: (780) 532-2362 x. 5
mobile: (780) 512-6113
email: esherk@countygp.ab.ca
web: curriemuseum.ca
 

© ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Summer Field Paleontologist needed

Job Title:  Summer Field Paleontologist


Location: Standing Rock Indian Reservation ND/SD

Job Description:  The Standing Rock Indian Reservation is one of the largest reservations in the United States and the only Tribe with a Paleontology Department.  Under the direction of the Tribal Paleontologist - consultants, students and volunteers assist in fieldwork in the fossil-rich badlands of South Dakota.  The Standing Rock Paleontology Department is searching for a Field Paleontologist to assist the Tribal Paleontologist during the 2012 Field Season (June to August) in the collection of and exploration for fossils.     

The Field Paleontologist is responsible for assisting the Tribal Paleontologist in managing the field staff and ensuring that the field paleontology program operates efficiently.  The incumbent will be expected to supervise several field assistants and/or volunteers of varying skill and knowledge levels, know and teach various field paleontology methods and techniques, and be able to keep good field notes and documentation of fossil localities.  During times of inclement weather, work will be temporarily moved to the Paleontology Lab in Fort Yates, ND where the incumbent will assist in regular lab work including, fossil preparation and molding and casting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Lead/supervise teams of two or more Field Assistants and/or volunteers in the prospecting for and excavation of fossils.
  2. Properly document fossil localities, geologic and stratigraphic information and fossil collection.
  3. Will take an active role in fossil prospecting, collection and excavation.
  4. Reports to the Field Paleontology Supervisor(s) on a daily basis.  
  5. Assists the Field Paleontology Supervisor(s) in managing the field crew and camp maintenance.  
  6. Responsible for helping with field camp maintenance including but not limited to mowing grass, organizing tools and equipment, cleaning vehicles and ensuring that the camp is kept tidy and in good working order.
  7. Assist in fossil preparation, molding and casting.
  8. Assist in fossil identification and cataloging.
  9. Will help to train new Field Assistants and teach proper field methods and techniques to Field Assistants and volunteers.
  10. Ensure compliance of Field Assistants and volunteers with departmental policies and regulations.

 Qualifications:
  1. Master’s degree in paleontology preferred; Bachelor’s degree in geology or related field with field work experience acceptable.
  2. Must have knowledge of geological and paleontological concepts, methods and techniques.
  3. Must have paleontology field work experience.
  4. Must be able to lift heavy loads and work under adverse conditions typical for the  badlands of South Dakota.
  5. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to provide own transportation to and from the field camp.
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in paleontology (preferred) or Bachelor’s degree in geology or related field with paleontology field work experience.  Must have knowledge of geological and paleontological concepts, methods and techniques.  Must be able to lift heavy loads and work under adverse conditions typical for the badlands of South Dakota.  Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to provide own transportation to and from the field camp.  Salary commensurate with experience.

To apply, please send a resume, fieldwork experience and references via email or mail. Direct questions to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Paleontology Department 701-854-8648 or 701 854-8649.  Open until filled.

Send applications to:A. R. Shaw or A. Swallow Standing Rock Paleontology DepartmentPO Box DFort Yates, ND 58538

ashaw@standingrock.orgaswallow@standingrock.org

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Got Geologic maps?

I am interested in obtaining some used/torn/brittle/old/new/or no-longer-needed geologic maps (or even topos). Does anyone have any they would like to get rid of or see given a second life? Something gathering dust in your lab or shoved in a corner? Just leave me a comment here or send me an email. Thanks! 



© ReBecca K. Hunt-Foste



Friday, February 17, 2012

Variation in the skull of Anchiceratops, a horned dinosaur from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation

Enjoy this video by my friend Jordan on is work with Anchiceratops:


 Thanks to Tom H. for the heads up!

  © ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Happy Steno Day

I hope everyone had a good day and remembered to celebrate the 374th birthday of Nicolas Steno. Google celebrated his birthday with a good doodle:




 


Thanks to Steve for the heads up on the doodle. © ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas everyone!

Happy birthday to Jimmy Buffett as well. Hope everyone has a great Christmas!







Thanks to T. Holz for the heads up on this gem! 


© ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Job openings: internships, summer field work and even a few "real" jobs

For all those students and recent graduates who are going to be looking for work this summer, now is the time to start paying attention (there are even a few "real" jobs showing up). Jobs and internships have started to be advertised and are often popping up until around February/March, so keep your eyes peeled. Check the SVP jobs page for updates as well.

Here are a few that are currently open:

2012 GeoCorp Positions (applications due by February 1, 2012) -


Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona currently has a position open for a GS-7 Physical Science Technician. This is a full-time seasonal position that will start in May of 2012 and continuing through August of 2012 (dates are flexible for students). This position will be the lead for a field based program working in exposures of the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation, including intensive prospecting as well as excavation of vertebrate fossils from existing quarries.  As the lead this person will oversee all aspects of field work including daily supervision of student interns. This position will work closely with the Park Paleontologist to successfully carryout and document this work. Interested applicants should have experience in the collection of vertebrate fossils, especially successful construction and removal of field jackets as well as the willingness/ability to supervise this type of work. This is a U. S. federal government position open to all U.S. citizens. The incumbent must possess a valid U. S. drivers license. This job also requires the successful completion of a background check as currently required for all U. S. Federal positions.

For more information and to apply please see the current job announcement at www.usajobs.gov
(http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/303892400). Please review all details especially the section on "How to Apply".

The position will close on December 9, 2011.


The Wyoming Dinosaur Center 

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center is looking for undergraduate and graduate students interested in paleontology, biology, geology and education to help with summer programs. Responsibilities will include excavation of dinosaur quarries, tours, cleaning fossils in the prep lab, assist in the molding and casting lab, and participation in the Dig-for-a-Day and Kids Dig programs. No paleontology field experience is necessary but preferred. Preference will also be given to those with an interest in Morrison Fm. fauna and associated paleoenvironments in the Big Horn Basin. Housing is provided. Valid drivers license is required. Training will begin May 24th, please send resume. For more information contact Angie Guyon at angie@wyodino.org


"REAL" JOB ALERTS: 
  1. GS-7 Museum Technician (Fossil Preparator, permanent full time), Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument: Primary duties will be preparation of Pliocene-aged mammals from the Hagerman Horse Quarry. This position closes December 9th and can be found on USAJOBS.
  2. Assistant or Associate Professor in Paleontology, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology -  The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology invites applications for a nine-month tenure track position in paleontology at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. The successful applicant should have a robust background in analytical paleontology, such as geochemical applications in paleontology, and will teach courses and advise student research at the undergraduate and graduate level. He or she is expected to develop an externally funded research program that complements current departmental research strengths. The department offers BS, MS and Ph.D. degrees with emphases in geology or paleontology, including an MS in Paleontology. The Museum of Geology’s paleontology collections, consisting of 500,000+ specimens, are housed in the James E. Martin Paleontology Research Laboratory. A Ph.D. in geology or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment. Nine-month salary range will be commensurate with background and experience. Application deadline: February 1, 2012 [link]
  3. Vertebrate Paleontologist: Assistant or Associate Professor, Fort Hays State University - Fort Hays State University is seeking a Vertebrate Paleontologist at the Assistant or Associate Professor level (tenure track) beginning June 11, 2012. This position is a joint appointment between the Department of Geosciences (0.5 FTE) and the Sternberg Museum of Natural History (0.5 FTE). ...  Preference will be given to individuals with knowledge of vertebrate fossils from the Late Cretaceous or Late Cenozoic of the Great Plains....Application deadline: January 15, 2012 [link
  4. Earth Sciences Collection Manager, University of Alaska Museum - The Earth Science Department at the University of Alaska Museum in Fairbanks seeks a full time Collections Manager to help oversee its paleontological and geological collection. The Collections Manager’s responsibilities include the day-to-day care and organization of the collection, managing collections data using a computerized database (Arctos), specimen preparation and conservation, supervising students and volunteers, administering loans, and public contact. ... The minimum qualifications are a Master’s degree in a related field (paleontology, biology, geology, museum science) or equivalent training and experience. Preference is given to applicants who have are familiar with using a relational database, and have at least two years experience conducting fossil preparation. To view a full position description or apply for the job, go to: www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=75729 Application deadline: December 15, 2011 [link]
Good luck to all the applicants! 


This position is classified as "Guest Scientist" positions. This position generally requires a higher level of qualifications and may involve a longer project and a higher stipend. Past GeoCorps participants can ONLY apply to Guest Scientist positions. Those who have not participated in GeoCorps before can also apply. To see details and eligibility requirements, please go to the About GeoCorps page.


** The following positions are part of the GeoCorps Diversity Internship Program and the GeoCorps American Indian Internship Program. To see details and eligibility requirements, please go to the GeoCorps Diversity Internship home page and the GeoCorps American Indian Internship home page.


© ReBecca K. Hunt-Foster