This field of study offers opportunities to satisfy diverse research interests. We integrate paleontology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geochemistry to interpret the history of the Earth, especially its biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Within this framework, we use many resources to reveal the mysteries of fossils and the world of yesterday.
paleontology; paleoecology; paleoclimatology
Geobiology relies on analysis of fossils in their geologic, and thus historical and environmental contexts to test hypotheses about the history of life.
Geoarchaeology and geoanthropology focus on the spatial, temporal, and environmental context of humans in the most recent phases of Earth history.
Our current research is focused on coral reefs, vertebrate evolution, the evolution of early humans, early angiosperms, and Cretaceous marine faunas. Our projects include the study of evolutionary paleontology, paleoecology, paleoclimates, phylogeny, functional morphology, taphonomy, biostratigraphy, and biogeography.
The IU Paleontology Collection stands as a cornerstone of Indiana University's commitment to the IUB 2030 Strategic Plan, exemplifying its dedication to transformative grants and exceptional academic experiences. Through its extensive holdings of fossil specimens, the Collection fosters groundbreaking research that shapes our understanding of Earth's history. This resource-rich environment not only offers unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning but also equips students with the skills needed for the evolving landscape of museum careers in the 21st century.
Faculty who are affiliated with the collection include members and fellows of the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Geological Society of America (GSA), and the Guggenheim Foundation. The collection has underpinned more than $1.5m in research grants and produced hundreds of scientific publications. The collection serves as a living classroom, providing both undergraduates and graduates with experiential learning opportunities that extend far beyond the traditional lecture hall. Moreover, it champions undergraduate research, empowering students to actively contribute to the field of paleontology. By focusing on stratigraphy, paleontology, museums, and public land management, the IU Paleontology Collection plays a pivotal role in preparing students for a wide array of impactful and fulfilling careers in the natural sciences and related disciplines. Our students are now employed as publishers, university faculty, government scientists, land managers, museum curators, and even in the online gaming industry, embodying the vision set forth in the IUB 2030 Strategic Plan.
The IU Paleontology Collections, which contains more than 1.3 million fossil specimens, offers special opportunities for specimen-based research, teaching, and outreach.
Our students and researchers have access to binocular and S.E.M. microscopes, digital cameras, laser scanners, biogeochemical equipment, and x-ray diffraction facilities. Along with physical access to facilities, the Geobiology group is fortunate to have a wonderful support staff for help in areas such as technology, funding, photography, travel, and much more.
Our department has a solid foundation in Geobiology, Geoanthropology, and Geoarchaeology. Admired professionals have contributed greatly to the program throughout its history. Collections of over 125 years provide a substantive learning environment for any aspiring geobiologist. Research projects of this group have included work on calcareous algae, sponges, achaeocyathids, bryzoans, brachiopods, crinoids, chitons, corals, blastoids, bivalves, cephalopods, ostracods, conodonts, trace fossils, dinosaurs, mammals, snakes, and vertebrate footprints.
The College of Arts