David J. Varricchio, PhD
Associate Professor, Paleontology
Contact Information
Education
Office:
Traphagen Hall
#207
B.S.,
Cornell
University,
1984
Phone: (406)
994-6907
M.S.,
University
of
Georgia,
1989
Email:
djv@montana.edu
Ph.D.,
Montana
State
University,
1995
Currently, I have three main areas of research: taphonomic studies, the dinosaur Troodon, and dinosaur
reproduction, particularly the theropod-bird lineage. Ongoing taphonomic studies include 1) the description
of a novel ornithomimid bonebed from Inner Mongolia with Paul Sereno (U. Chicago); 2) a study of small
theropod taphonomy in the Two Medicine Formation of Montana; and 3), as part of a team of researchers,
the re-evaluation of a Maiasaura bonebed using detailed palynologic and geochemical sampling. Several
Troodon-related projects continue in an attempt to formulate as complete a picture of a single dinosaur
species as possible. Having finished work on Troodon nests, eggs, and embryos, in progress work on
this dinosaur includes ontogenetic and osteologic description, re-examination of growth using bone histology
with Greg Erickson (Florida State U.), and the documentation of pathologies with Rebecca Hanna (Choteau,
MT). The last project still in its incipient stage entails the documentation of reproductive features within the
theropod-bird lineage and across the K/T boundary. (Publications)
Frankie D. Jackson, PhD
Assistant Research Professor,
Paleontology
Contact Information Education
Office: Traphagen Hall #204 B.A., University of Montana, 1992
Phone: (406) 994-6642 PhD, Montana State University, 2007
Email: frankiej@montana.edu
The study of fossil eggs, dinosaur reproductive biology and
paleoecology, and the evolution of reproductive traits
in birds
represents the focus of my research. Fossil egg arrangement and
microscopic study of eggshell structure
(including calculation of water
vapor conductance rates) provide important information on dinosaur
reproductive
biology and physiology. In addition, sedimentologic
study of nesting horizons and assessment of diagenesis
provide evidence
for paleoenvironmental interpretation of Late Cretaceous nesting
sites. Currently, my research
focuses on modern archosaurian
(crocodilians and birds) nesting sites in Florida and the Pacific
northwest and
fossil egg localities in the western United States,
China, and Spain. Additional research includes taphonomy of
a
T.rex locality in eastern Montana and earth
science education. In addition, I teach earth sciences to
teachers on
two Montana reservations (Publications)
James G. Schmitt, PhD
Associate Professor, Sedimentology/Stratigraphy
Contact Information
Education
Office:
Traphagen Hall
#109
B.S.,
University
of
Michigan,
1977
Phone: (406)
994-6903
M.S.
University
of
Wyoming,
1979
Email:
jschmitt@montana.edu
Ph.D.,
University
of
Wyoming,
1982
My research interests in paleontology include taphonomy of bone beds
and nesting grounds,
deciphering processes of fossil preservation, and
paleoenvironmental reconstruction of fossil-bearing
strata,
including both vertebrate and invertebrate fossils in marine and
terrestrial deposits. The theme
of my work is applying principles
of sedimentary geology to understanding the strengths and limitations
of the fossil record. (Publications)
Regents Professor of Paleontology
Contact Information Education
Email: jhorner@montana.edu Geology/Paleontology, University of Montana
Museum of the Rockies Honorary Doctorate, University of Montana
Montana State University Honorary Doctorate, Pennsylvania State 2006
I am presently interested in dinosaur evolution and ecology, with emphases on gorwth and behavior.
Studies are conducted in the field where we host the largest paleontological field program in the country,
and maintain two laboratories, one for the study of cellular and molecular paleontology, and the other for
3-D imaging utilizing data from CT and 3-D scanners. Students whose committees I chair have full access
to both laboratories, and are encouraged to spend at least one summer in the field.(Publications)
