Paleontology

Vertebrate paleontology and functional morphology

University of Louisiana Geology Museum students and staff during the collection of a giant camel skeleton

Understanding the diversity of vertebrate life through field investigations and comparative anatomy.  Currently studying two skeletons of the giant camel, Megatylopus, which appears to have filled the giraffe niche in North America during the Miocene-Pliocene. (Dr. Martin)

Museum curation and exhibitions

Albertosaurus skeleton fabricated by staff, volunteers, and students of the UL Geology Museum

Includes the preparation, identification, conservation, cataloguing, and display of fossil vertebrates for utilization in research and education.  Currently fabricating dinosaur and mammoth skeletons for UL Geology Museum displays and student studies. (Dr. Martin)

Vertebrate biostratigraphy

The cranium of Neotragocerus compared with that of the living North American mountain goat, Oreamos

Comprehending the distribution of vertebrate life through time.  Currently investigating the timing of the First Appearance Datum in North America of Neotragocerus, the first bovid to enter North America from Eurasia.  The affinities of Neotragocerus to living North American bovids, such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and bison, are also being investigated. (Dr. Martin)