Now accepting applications for Vertebrate Paleontology Technician and Preparator

February 3, 2020

The MCZ is now accepting applications for a Vertebrate Paleontology Technician and Preparator.

The Vertebrate Paleontology Technician and Preparator operates and manages the Paleontology Preparation Laboratory and cares for fossils in the vertebrate paleontology collection. Research priorities of the department are established by the Faculty-Curator, Stephanie Pierce.

Stephanie Pierce awarded prize for Excellence in Science Teaching

December 18, 2019

Congratulations to Stephanie Pierce, MCZ Faculty-Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, recipient of the 2019 Fannie Cox Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching for her exceptional teaching in introductory science courses. Courses Stephanie teaches include How to Build an Animal, Vertebrate Evolution, and The Fishy Aspects of the Human Body. Read more about Stephanie Pierce awarded prize for Excellence in Science Teaching

A new light on the evolution of the snake body plan

November 20, 2019

A new paper co-authored by MCZ Postdoctoral Fellow Tiago R. Simões (in the Stephanie Pierce Lab) describes snake fossils recently excavated in Argentina, helping to answer long-standing questions regarding the early evolution of snakes. The paper was published in Science and featured in the... Read more about A new light on the evolution of the snake body plan

Stephanie Pierce awarded the Thomas D. Cabot Associate Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

July 31, 2019

MCZ Faculty-Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Stephanie Pierce, was awarded the Thomas D. Cabot Associate Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. The appointment recognizes her contributions to research, teaching, and service. Read more about Stephanie Pierce awarded the Thomas D. Cabot Associate Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

© President and Fellows of Harvard College, Kris Snibbe

Study examines how evolution modified the crocodylian skull

February 20, 2019

Research led by MCZ Faculty Curator Stephanie Pierce and graduate student Zachary Morris examined how the crocodylian skull changed over time by comparing embryonic development with later growth in all species of living crocodiles. Their work demonstrates that the diversity of skull... Read more about Study examines how evolution modified the crocodylian skull

Javier Ortega-Hernández Granted National Researcher Level I

September 27, 2018

Congratulations to incoming MCZ Faculty-Curator in Invertebrate Paleontology, Javier Ortega-Hernández, granted the distinction of Investigador Nacional Nivel 1 (National Researcher Level I) by the Sistema Nacional de Investigadores (National System of Researcher). The award from the Government of Mexico is for excellence in scientific production. Read more about Javier Ortega-Hernández Granted National Researcher Level I

How the mammalian backbone evolved – one region at a time

September 21, 2018

MCZ postdoc Katrina Jones, MCZ Faculty-Curator Stephanie Pierce and collaborators investigated fossils with intact backbones from museums around the world to study the origins of the regionalized spine, once thought to be unique to mammals. The research is published in ... Read more about How the mammalian backbone evolved – one region at a time

Iconic Kronosaurus photo replicated 60 years later

August 31, 2018

The Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH) recently hosted a visit by Constance Kite, a fossil preparator in the MCZ in the 1950's, featured in an iconic image with the MCZ Kronosaurus specimen. The specimen was found in Queensland, Australia in the 1930's. The visit was highlighted in Kite's community newspaper, ... Read more about Iconic Kronosaurus photo replicated 60 years later

New species honors the late Farish Jenkins

June 22, 2018

A new paper in the MCZ journal Breviora describes a new species of tetrapodomorph sarcopterygian, Eusthenopteron jenkinsi. The species is named in honor of the late Dr. Farish A. Jenkins, Jr., beloved faculty member and curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at the MCZ, for his central role in the Nunavut Paleontological Expeditions from 1999 to 2008. He was a key contributor to the anatomical research, the...

Harvard Alumni tour of Paleontology collections

February 9, 2018

Curatorial Associate Jessica Cundiff gave a behind the scenes tour of the Invertebrate and Vertebrate Paleontology collections to a lucky group of visiting Harvard Alumni. Jessica showed them notable specimens such as an authentic Kronosaurus skull, inspiration for the model on display in the HMNH

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Vertebrate Paleontology