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Below is a review of my work in fossil preparation. The following has been organized according to the recency of the project. While this is by no means comprehensive, further examples of my work are available upon request.
Before stabilization and additional cleaning.
NCSM 40000 - Proximal Caudal Vertebrae, Nanotyrannus lancensis
NCSM 40000 - Proximal Caudal Vertebrae, Nanotyrannus lancensis
Proximal-most section of articulated caudal series from the Dueling Dinosaurs Nanotyrannus specimen. This block had deep structural issues that were exacerbated by a prior cyanoacrylate application preventing further consolidation efforts. I was able to remove this sediment and replace it a mixture of sediment collected from overburden removal and B-72 in ethanol. I was also able to remove the previous consolidant from the bone surface to reveal minor elements of morphology such as vertebral sutures, laminae, and articular surfaces. Additional work will include the cradling and flipping of the specimen, further stabilization and preparation of the other side.
Above is a 3D rendering of the tail in its current state to show the sculpting of the matrix and large crack infills. The image to the right is a slider to showcase the before and after of the cleaning process.
NCSM 40001 - Upper body, Triceratops
NCSM 40001 - Upper body, Triceratops
The chest of the Dueling Dinosaurs Triceratops. This specimen has seen some things. Similarly to the Nanotyrannus, this specimen arrived coated in cyanoacrylate and splatters of plaster, not to mention extensive taphonomic and erosional damage. I was able to transform this portion of the block from a pile of shrapnel into the somewhat presentable specimen seen below. From humble beginnings to newfound beauty, this facet of my work is one I am particularly proud of. In the last two years, I have been able to reconstruct nearly all of the right lateral dorsal ribs, maintain the articulation of processes and ossified tendons, and expose in situ teeth left behind by other animals. Despite this, there is still more work to be done including the complete stabilization of the exposed surfaces and the future rotation and continued preparation of the left lateral portion of the body.
An image from the field collection of this specimen circa 2006.
A transition video showing the before and after of this block between August of 2024 and February 2026. Images to left show various detail shots of the vertebral column and articulated tendons.
Lucas Smathers (pictured) helping me sort through all of the unlabelled pieces of Triceratops.
The first iteration of housing for the distal rib shafts that were starting to come together.
A closeup of the erosional damage of one of the anterior-most dorsal ribs.
The same rib, partially pieced back together. Associated pieces are in the process of being reattached.
Anterior-most Dorsal Ribs
Anterior-most Dorsal Ribs
Sections of ribs reconstructed from an area of the fossil with significant taphonomic distortion. Closeup of rib 9 featured below.
Posterior-most Dorsal Ribs
Posterior-most Dorsal Ribs
Sections of ribs reconstructed from an area of the fossil that experienced severe erosional damage.
Skin impressions from Triceratops laid out for LSF mapping.
Progress picture from housing these specimens.
The finished product.
The distal portion of this rib was reconstructed from over 50 fragments that were almost completely disassociated.
The distal portion of this rib was reconstructed from over 50 fragments that were almost completely disassociated.
Just thought that was neat :)
A peak at the jars of pollen samples collected from this fossil.
NCSM 40001 - Proximal Caudal Vertebrae, Triceratops
NCSM 40001 - Proximal Caudal Vertebrae, Triceratops
Another section of the Triceratops skeleton that I have been working on. This portion of the fossil features beautiful botanical preservation interwoven with the bone. A very interesting case study for how to prepare delicate organic layers and expose multiple at a time. I was also able to rigorously sample this region for palynological analyses due to the extensive preservation and compacted sequence of depositional layers.
Still very much in need of a good going over. But! Check out those beautiful layers of plant fossil peaking out from between the transverse processes.
NCSM 13786 - Shell, Striaticostatum harbisoni
NCSM 13786 - Shell, Striaticostatum harbisoni
A small gastropod shell from a Late Cretaceous deposit on the coast of North Carolina. Beautiful preservation, requiring delicate manual preparation and miniscule applications of cellulose to support the hollow interior when needed.
Subhyracodon
Subhyracodon
A dentary belonging to an extinct rhino from the White River formation of Nebraska, with a bonus multituberculate tooth recovered from screen washing of sediment.
AMNH FARB 8161 - Skull, Gorgonopsid
AMNH FARB 8161 - Skull, Gorgonopsid
Just over 20 centimeters long, this delicate skull belongs to an indeterminate species of Gorgonopsid. The preparation of this specimen is still ongoing as it possesses a multitude of miniscule palatal teeth, some barely more than a millimeter. Various manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques have been employed throughout the course of working on this specimen and brief experiments with applications of various consolidants and acids have yielded few options given the hardness of the matrix and friability of preserved tissue.
An image from the early stages of preparation for this specimen, just starting to expose the rugosity of the maxillae.
As I began working into the orbits of this animal, I was able to successfully expose sclerotic ossicles without damage.
The majority of external surface work is done for now, work on the hard palate and vomer is still ongoing.
A before image of the block when I first received it.
NCSM 37653 - Associated Metoposaurid and Parasuchid material
NCSM 37653 - Associated Metoposaurid and Parasuchid material
A section of hard mudstone matrix containing assorted bits belonging to a metoposaur and a parasuchid. The interclavicles of the former were articulated and many elements have surface ornamentation, necessitating precise, steady-handed work in tight spaces. I believe Dr. Kammerer referred to it as my "trial by fire." Apt.
Articulated interclavicle. A tricky portion to work on as the gap between each elements is quite small.
Began making some progress to expose these faces under the guidance of our curator, Dr. Kammerer.
The near complete portion of this specimen. All floating bits of skeletal material were maintained in articulation.
Completed specimen sitting in its cavity mount. My first foray into sculpting matrix to balance exposure and structural integrity.
All elements laid out waiting to be housed.
Cavity mount of Metoposaurid material.
A closeup of the Metoposaur dentary.
The finished specimen, fully housed.
"Jordan Lake Dicynodont"
"Jordan Lake Dicynodont"
Another local North Carolina specimen, a fragmentary dicynodont, including some beautifully preserved premaxillary material. This specimen had an incredibly rugose surface with a thin, iron rich mineral layer on the bone surface that required hours of pin vicing to remove. The finished product showcases the delicate laminae within the jaw. An ungual and a phalanx were recovered as well, pictured below.
The specimen when it first arrived on my desk.
Progress image of the illium as it was being pieceed together.
Interior face of the premaxilla showcasing aforementioned laminae.
Volunteer specimens
Volunteer specimens
A plethora of material that I worked on when I was first training in fossil preparation. Too many to list individualy, not to mention that my record keeping practices have substantially improved since then.
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