University study traditionally has offered the path to dinosaur fossil preparation and restoration.
Most bone restoration work is done by graduate students and overseen by doctorate-level paleontologists at universities or museums, according to J. Keith Rigby, paleontologist and assistant professor of geology at the University of Notre Dame.The study of dinosaurs is part of the discipline of paleontology, which examines prehistoric life on earth through the fossil record. A career in paleontology traditionally begins with a bachelor's degree in geology or biology, or double major in both. Summer breaks often are spent volunteering at fossil digs.
Instructions
Preparation during high school
1. A paleontologist needs a strong background in geology and biology, as well as chemistry and physics.
Take a variety of science courses. Good grades are important to be accepted into a good college or university.
2. Books are great, but studying actual dinosaur fossils help bring the details to life.
Visit museums where dinosaur and other fossils are displayed.
3. Paleontologists work with plant and invertebrate fossils as well as vertebrates such as dinosaurs.
Correspond with paleontologists, asking about their work and the prehistoric creatures.
4. Look for an undergraduate institution that offers a quality general science program.
Research colleges and universities that have paleontologists on faculty. Strong biology and geology courses will be particularly important during your undergraduate years. Take a full year of chemistry and physics and study mathematics through calculus.
5. Other members may be aware of potentially prolific sites for fossil hunting.
Seek out fossil or gem and mineral clubs in your community to meet other people who share your interest in fossils.
Undergraduate college preparation
6. Take chemistry, physics and calculus in your freshman year.
Study a wide range of science disciplines, concentrating on geology and biology. Other important subjects include evolutionary biology, ecology, invertebrate paleontology, invertebrate zoology, genetics, mineralogy, stratigraphy/sedimentation and sedimentary petrology.
7. Paleontologists must be skilled in collecting, organizing and interpreting data.
Take classes in statistical analysis and develop computer skills.
8. Unearthing fossils is a labor-intensive job where willing hands often are welcome.
Seek opportunities for field experience through a local museum or a paleontologist either in your own or a nearby college or university.
Graduate studies
9. A master's degree in paleontology takes between two and three years to complete, and a doctoral degree will require another three to four years, at minimum.
Decide what area of dinosaur paleontology interests you. Each university has its own strengths, largely depending upon the interests of the teaching and research faculty. Read published papers in professional journals, such as Geology, Palaios, Journal of Paleontology and Paleobiology.
10. A face-to-face meeting will communicate your interest in the discipline.
Contact professors or scientists whose work interests you and arrange to visit them on campus.
11. Reputations are made in the field and in the workroom.
Look for all available opportunities to handle and work with dinosaur fossils, both in the field and in the restoration room.
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