1 August 2008
Jonathan Mitchell
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Dear Mrs. Elsie V. Benson,
My term at the Smithsonian has easily been one of the greatest experiences
ever afforded to me, and I cannot thank the Dick Benson Endowment enough
for making it possible. I have learned countless things about Paleobiology,
everything from identifying dinosaurs by their bones, and eggs by their
structure, to technical things like making thin sections and embedding
objects. Essentially, I was able to get a crash course in everything
a professional paleontologist needs to know how to do, and that is invaluable
to me. Dr. Matthew Carrano was one of the best teachers I have ever
had, and it helps that he studies the very things I intend to study.
He is knowledgeable, helpful, funny and has a true desire to share what
he knows. I'm grateful to the Dick Benson Endowment for providing the
means for me to intern at the Museum and interact with Dr. Carrano in
this capacity.
Yet more than simple experience and learning new paleontological techniques,
working in the Smithsonian among the collections was an experience beyond
compare. Learning how a museum works and getting accustomed to the ins
and outs of it, I feel, has done more to prepare me for my post-graduate
career than any other experience I have had.
One of my fondest memories is, combining the museum atmosphere with
the value of the experience and quality of the education, was finding
bones and bringing them to him to have him identify and then grilling
him with questions as to how he was able to do it. This type of valuable
interaction is one of the unique aspects included in programs like the
Research Training Program (RTP), that are made possible by generous
donations.
I am sure that I will always appreciate the knowledge gained, experiences
had, and work accomplished here, through the RTP, and I hope I have
conveyed to you how thankful I am for the opportunity afforded to me
through the Dick Benson Endowment.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Mitchell
Research Training Program
Class of '08