Research Training Program

Theresa McLain
Metropolitan State College at Denver
Denver, CO

Dr. Scott Wing, Ph.D.
Department of Paleobiology

"My project was very challenging and required me to learn new lab techniques."

Paleobotanical Studies in Wyoming

Cuticles were prepared for microscopic analysis from the Paleocene-Eocene, Wyoming dicot fossils. This involved dissolving the rocks away from the cuticle, clearing, staining, and mounting them on slides. They were then examined for morphological features that were distinctive in certain groups of plants. Identified cuticles were prepared along with unknown cuticle fragments in an effort to see if the fossils could be identified based on the cuticular features.

This research was supported by a grant from the Educational Outreach Fund.