Molecular Paleontology: Preservation and detection of original molecular fragments in well preserved fossil specimensMolecular diagenesis and taphonomy:
The examination of exceptionally well preserved fossils-those with soft
tissues, color patterns, or original hard-part mineralogy or molecular
signals preserved. Why are they preserved that way, and what are the
biogeochemical conditions that led to such preservation?
 Evolution of physiological and reproductive strategies
in dinosaurs and their bird descendants. Were dinosaurs warm-blooded,
cold-blooded or something in-between? This includes
paleohistology, sectioning bone from fossils to determine
microstructure.
Astrobiology:
Can we use the tools of molecular paleontology to detect biomarkers not
only in fossils but also in extraterrestrial samples? Did life never
evolve on other planets? Did it evolve then go extinct? Or is it thriving now?I
am recruiting graduate students and post-doctoral candidates who are
interested in the chemistry, molecular biology, and immunological
response of well preserved fossils, with the hope of identifying degree
of preservation, recovery of original molecules, and the chemistry of
diagenesis. I seek students with strong backgrounds in
analytical chemistry, molecular biology and immunology to contribute to
the analyses of exceptionally preserved fossils and soft tissue
remnants within bones from recent to Cretaceous specimens.
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