Here’s a brief list of what Paleontologists do:

• Fossil Collection: Conducts fieldwork to discover, excavate, and collect fossils from geological formations, including rocks, sediments, and fossil beds.

• Fossil Preparation: Prepares collected fossils in laboratories by cleaning, preserving, and analyzing them to study their structure, composition, and evolutionary significance.

• Taxonomy and Classification: Identifies, classifies, and catalogues fossils based on their morphology, age, and evolutionary relationships to reconstruct past biodiversity and ecosystems.

• Stratigraphy: Studies the geological layers (strata) containing fossils to understand the chronological sequence of Earth's history and the environmental conditions in which organisms lived.

• Paleoecology: Investigates ancient environments and ecosystems by analyzing fossil assemblages and their interactions with the physical environment, including climate, habitats, and food webs.

• Evolutionary Biology: Researches evolutionary processes and patterns by studying fossil evidence of evolutionary transitions, adaptations, extinction events, and species diversification.

• Research and Publication: Publishes findings in scientific journals, presents research at conferences, and collaborates with other scientists to advance knowledge in paleontology and evolutionary biology.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Educational Foundation:

• High School: Focus on taking courses in mathematics (including calculus and statistics), biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and environmental science. These subjects provide a strong foundation for understanding scientific principles and processes relevant to paleontology.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in paleontology, geology, biology, earth sciences, anthropology, or a related field. Ensure the program includes coursework in paleontology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, evolutionary biology, paleoecology, and geological field methods.

2. Gain Practical Experience:

• Seek internships, fieldwork opportunities, or research experiences during your undergraduate studies. Look for positions at natural history museums, university research labs, geological surveys, or paleontological field expeditions. Practical experience in fossil collection, excavation techniques, specimen preparation, and laboratory analysis is essential.

3. Advanced Degrees (Optional):

• Consider pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D. in paleontology, geology, evolutionary biology, or a specialized area such as vertebrate paleontology, invertebrate paleontology, micropaleontology, or paleobotany if you plan to work in research, academia, or advanced positions in paleontology. Advanced degrees provide opportunities for specialized research, fieldwork, and publication of findings.

4. Develop Technical Skills:

• Gain proficiency in paleontological field methods, fossil preparation techniques, and geological mapping. Familiarize yourself with laboratory equipment and tools used for fossil analysis, including microscopes, CT scanners, and imaging software.

• Learn geospatial software such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for spatial analysis of fossil distribution and geological data.

5. Specialize in Paleontology:

• Paleontology encompasses various specializations, including vertebrate paleontology, invertebrate paleontology, paleobotany, micropaleontology, taphonomy (study of fossilization processes), and evolutionary paleobiology. Consider specializing in a particular area based on your interests in ancient life forms and research goals.

6. Build a Professional Network:

• Join professional organizations such as the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP), the Paleontological Society, or local geological societies. Attend conferences, workshops, and symposiums to network with paleontologists, present research findings, and stay updated on advancements in paleontology.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!