Paleontology

Students will work in the dig at the Gray Fossil Site as part of the regular field crew.  They will participate in all aspects of fossil excavation, recovery and preservation, under the direct guidance of the ETSU paleontologists who are currently conducting research at the Site. This work will include excavation of both animal and plant remains from fossil-bearing horizons; plaster jacketing of vertebrate material; screening of soil for recovery of microvertebrate and plant fossils; and laboratory preparation, repair, and clean-up of collected specimens. Students will also help with research aimed at characterizing the geology of the site, an important aspect of research, which provides a context for how the site formed, accumulated sediments, and preserved the fossil material currently being recovered.


In addition to the field and laboratory work, students will also help create casts of recovered fossils that can be used for education and outreach programs in area schools.

Paleontology Photos