The American Geophysical Institute (AGI), with support from the Paleontological Society, created this handbook as a foundation for exploring new funding areas within NSF and adjacent organizations.
A Paleontologist's Field Guide for Funding from the National Science Foundation
The new fellows are
Maria Alejandra Gandolfo (Cornell University), Brian Huber (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History), Kate Lyons (University of Nebraska), and Peter Roopnarine (California Academy of Sciences)
Congratulations to the 2023 Paleo Society Fellows . In no particular order, Here are some highlights from their letters of support.
Peter Roopnarine was described as carrying out "exemplary invertebrate paleontological research, professional service and collections management," highlighting the breadth of his activities, and an immense force for good in the PS both in terms his research, collections, and mentoring, but also in terms of his service." Another listed his many accomplishments: "collaborates with other researchers on modern paleobiological projects on the California margin, in the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf of Thailand, published 71 peer-reviewed articles, several in high impact journals, mentored 10 graduate students (2 current) and 5 postdocs, is a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences and GSA, and has conducted numerous public outreach activities, including lectures, videos, film and documentaries."
Kate Lyons was described as possessing "a vision for combining modern and fossil data to consider big picture questions [that] is outstanding. Her work in ETE and her incredible passion for mentoring early career researchers, many from underrepresented groups in paleontology is wonderful;" one member noted that "much of Lyons’ work on the evolutionary macroecology of mammalian faunas has been published in the highest impact journals such as Nature and Science, a testimony to its significance, notably her seminal 2004 paper on human drivers of large mammal extinctions in the late Quaternary extinctions."
Maria Alejandra Gandolfo was described as "an outstanding paleobotanist who has helped to provide insights into important and previously undocumented Patagonian floras." Another highlighted Gandolfo's extraordinary career: "Nominated for her contributions to Cretaceous and Paleogene paleobotanical research, contribution to institutional paleobotanical collections, teaching and mentoring; 97 peer-reviewed publications (when first nominated in February 2021); mentor of numerous graduate students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral associates; garnered Awards from the Botanical Society of America and American Philosophical Society; and active in professional service, including Editor-in-Chief of Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, and other editorial duties."
Brian Huber is "perhaps the outstanding micropaleontologist of his generation," "renown for his distinguished record as one of the world’s leading experts on Cretaceous and Cenozoic planktonic foraminifera and accomplishments as a museum curator and a mentor to many students and fellows; best known for climatic transition from mid-Cretaceous greenhouse climate to cooler conditions; published 6 co-edited books/monographs and 143 journal articles over a span of 3 decades at the Smithsonian Institution; carried out extensive professional service on the International Commission on Stratigraphy (vice chair), Cushman Foundation (President), and various editorial boards; and finally extensively involved in organizing workshops and symposia, and public outreach through exhibits at the Smithsonian."
Reviewed by Paul Strother (Boston College Weston Observatory)
Reviewed by Paul Strother (Boston College Weston Observatory)
There are 26 Topical & more-to-come Discipline Sessions at GSA Connects 2023 that are endorsed by the Paleo Society!
T4. Deep-Time Empowered Sustainability, Energy Transition, and Carbon Solutions.
Leaders: Susan Nash; Manuel Pubellier; Jennifer Mckinley; and Qiuming Cheng
Endorsers: GSA Geoinformatics and Data Science Division; GSA Energy Geology Division; American Association of
Petroleum Geologists; SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology); Paleontological Society; GSA International
Description: Deep time databases and applications are more powerful than ever, and, thanks to cloud computing, machine learning, solve issues in sustainability, climate, and energy transition. This session examines deep time projects and knowledge on novel analytics, applications, visualizations, and integrations.
Reviewed by Bruce Rothschild (Indiana University Health, formerly Carnegie Museum of Natural History)
Reviewed by Phil Novack-Gottshall (Benedictine University, Lisle, IL)
Reviewed by Andrej Spiridonov (Vilnius University, Lithuania & Nature Research Centre, Lithuania)
The following volumes are available to Paleontological Society members in exchange for writing a review in Priscum. Reviews should be informative, engaging, and 400–800 words long. The tone can be informal and casual, appropriate to recommending a book to colleagues. Reviews are expected to be returned within six months after receipt. Past book reviews can be found in past issues of Priscum at https://www.paleosoc.org/priscum-newsletter and https://www.paleosoc.org/blog. Reviewers must be a current member of the Paleontological Society before beginning review. If you are interested in reviewing one of these texts, please contact Book Reviews Editor Phil Novack-Gottshall.
Reviewed by Ephraim Nissan (London, England)
Reviewed by James Farlow (Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN)
Reviewed by Phil Novack-Gottshall (Benedictine University, Lisle, IL)
Eligibility: We encourage applications from paleontology graduate students who are early-mid stage in their graduate programs from all backgrounds and institutions, particularly those that have historically been under-represented on the Paleontological Society Council.
The Role: Student Representatives serve as voices for student needs in the Society and play leading roles in student activities including organizing student events at the annual Geological Society of America conference. Student Representatives are further encouraged to develop and lead new student initiatives. In this role, students gain knowledge of the inner workings of an international organization and experience in professional service.
The selected Student Representative (who will start their role in the fall of 2023) will join current Student Representative Sam Ocon and serve a two-year term (Fall 2023–Fall 2025). Student Representatives attend two virtual Council meetings per year (one during fall and the other during spring).
Application Requirements:
Please fill out the google form and provide each question with long-answer responses (at least one paragraph per question) to be considered for this position.
This lavishly illustrated, large-format book provides a full-rounded treatment of all extant penguin species, but it also is an eye-opener on fossil and subfossil penguin species. Part 1 is by Tui de Roy, and covers their life cycle, the “jackass” group of braying penguins, Antarctica’s three long-tailed species (the Adélie, chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins), the crested penguins, the rockhoppers, the Little penguin of Oceania, and finally the King and Emperor penguins of Antarctica.
Julie Cornthwaite authored Part 3, surveying all species one by one, in profiles sharing their structure. Part 2 instead, “Science and Conservation”, is edited by Mark Jones, and comprises 17 chapters (all but the first, of just two pages) by different scholars. For example, “March of the Fossil Penguins” by Daniel Ksepka (pp. 158–159), and Matthew Shawkey’s “Penguin Colours and Pigments” (pp. 162–163), which also discusses their evolution (a glitch chopped off its last line): “melanosomes from [the 36-million-year-old] Inkayacu [giant penguin found mummified (p. 159)] were smaller than those from modern penguins, and more similar in size and shape to those of other birds” (p. 162): perhaps larger melanosomes make feathers stiffer. “Second, Inkayacu’s plumage lacked countershading. Instead it had a brown underside and grey back” (162). Seals were diversifying, and countershading may have evolved as a response to increasing predation pressure.
Reviewed by Andrej Spiridonov (Vilnius University, Lithuania & Nature Research Centre, Lithuania)
We are delighted to announce the newest Paleontological Society Fellows: Annalisa Berta (San Diego State University), Carlos Jaramillo (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute), Johnny Waters (University of West Georgia and Appalachian State University), and Lisa White (UC Museum of Paleontology).
Annalisa Berta (San Diego State University) is recognized for her numerous wide-ranging and impactful contributions to our understanding of marine mammals, including their anatomy, physiology, ontogeny, sensory biology, phylogenetics, and evolutionary history; for her outstanding record of teaching and mentorship; and for her extensive service to the profession, including her pioneering efforts promoting the work of women in paleontology most notably through her book Rebels, Scholars, Explorers: Women in Vertebrate Paleontology.
The Paleontological Society recognizes the importance of educational and research practices that foster diversity and inclusion. We value the contribution of diverse opinions, strategies, and experiences at the sessions, short courses, and workshops that we sponsor at meetings of the Geological Society of America and the North American Paleontological Convention and other conferences (such as SACNAS and NABG) as they are an integral part to the advancement of our field. However, many of our colleagues who work extensively on inclusive educational and research practices might not qualify for research-based funding for conference travel from their home institutions. In addition, colleagues from groups underrepresented in paleontology, in a career transition (between undergrad and grad, grad to post-doc, post-doc to position), or in adjunct, teaching, museum, or part-time positions are often the most vulnerable and most likely to leave paleontology and science. It is crucial that we ensure that these members are able to attend and participate in our meetings as well as network with community members who can provide the support and mentorship that is needed in these critical transitions or positions. Thus, the Paleontological Society is offering competitive conference travel grants to help offset the expenses PS members from underrepresented and/or at-risk groups who would be unable to attend these meetings without travel support.
Funding Amount
$1200 per award for in person attendees and $250 per award for online attendees
There are 20+ Topical & 8 Discipline Sessions at GSA Connects 2022 that are endorsed by the Paleo Society!
T102. Comings and Goings of Proterozoic Global Glaciations - (Posters Sunday a.m.)
Leaders: Bing Shen; Maoyan Zhu; and Xianguo Lang
Endorsers: Geochemical Society; GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division; Paleontological Society
Description: This session focuses on global glaciations and geology-geobiology in the Proterozoic.
