Research Training Program

Jill McElderry
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA

Scott Wing, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Paleobiology

"The NMNH RTP provides a solid, hands-on learning experience for undergraduate students who may in time form the core of our next generation of natural historians."

Paleobotanical and Paleoecological Studies in Wyoming

The purpose of this research project was to x-ray leaves for a database on leaf architecture. Morphotypes from last year's collections were classified so that field identifications could be verified. This was useful in deciding where and what to collect. In the field, extensive collections have been made in both the best preserved cretaceous flora extant and from eocene strata. While in Wyoming, work was done with Leo Hickey, an expert on the Meeteetse flora. In all, over 100 radiographs were produced, along with a list of leaf morphotypes for the excavated area, and hundreds of fossils were pulled out of the ground.

This research was supported by a grant from the James Smithson Society.