Reviewed by David R. Cordie (Edgewood College)

Call for proposals: Early Career Researchers

Announcing the PaleoSoc Art Competition Winner!!!

The Paleontological Society held an art competition this year for designs that capture the spirit of the Paleontological Society.

Books available for review announcement - updated!

The following volumes are available to Paleontological Society members in exchange for writing a review in Priscum. Reviews should be informative, engaging, and 400–800 words long. The tone can be informal and casual, appropriate to recommending a book to colleagues. Reviews are expected to be returned within six months after receipt. Past book reviews can be found in past issues of Priscum at https://www.paleosoc.org/priscum-newsletter and https://www.paleosoc.org/blog. Reviewers must be a current member of the Paleontological Society before beginning review. If you are interested in reviewing one of these texts, please contact Book Reviews Editor Phil Novack-Gottshall ([email protected])

Reviewed by Ephraim Nissan (London, England)

Reviewed by Thomas A. Hegna (SUNY Fredonia)

GSA sessions endorsed by PS are linked here, and times will come out soon!

Reviewed by James O. Farlow (Purdue University Fort Wayne)

Reviewed by Joe Bauman (Salt Lake City)



Marshall, M. 2020. The Genesis Quest: The Geniuses and Eccentrics on a Journey to Uncover the Origin of Life on Earth. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL. 368 pp. ($15.60 cloth, $10.80 paper, $10.79 e-book with 40% PS discount.)

Reviewed by Christa Cherava (National Parks Conservation Association, USA)

Reviewed by Blandine Hautier (Independent fossil preparator; Bonn, Germany)

A letter to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, regarding the critical need for further paleontological resource assessment at BLM’s “Community Pit #1” near Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Reviewed by Richard Lis (California Department of Fish and Wildlife, CA)

Reviewed by Alysha Zazubec (University of Oklahoma)

Reviewed by David R. Cordie (Edgewood College, Madison WI)

PS NAPC D&I and Student Travel Grants

The Paleontological Society recognizes the importance of educational and research practices that foster diversity and inclusion. We value the contribution of diverse opinions, strategies, and experiences at the North American Paleontological Convention (NAPC) as they are an integral part to the advancement of our field. However, many of our colleagues who work extensively on inclusive educational and research practices might not qualify for research-based funding for conference travel from their home institutions. In addition, colleagues from groups underrepresented in paleontology, in a career transition (between undergrad and grad, grad to post-doc, post-doc to position), or in adjunct, teaching, museum, or part-time positions are often the most vulnerable and most likely to leave paleontology and science. It is crucial that we ensure that these members, in addition to students, are able to attend and participate in our meetings as well as network with community members who can provide the support and mentorship that is needed in these critical transitions or positions.

The Paleontological Society is soliciting applications for a Student Representative to Council. 

Eligibility: We encourage nominations from paleontology graduate students who are early-mid stage in their graduate programs from all backgrounds and institutions, particularly those that have historically been under-represented on the Paleontological Society Council.
 
The Role: Student Representatives serve as voices for student needs in the Society and play leading roles in student activities including organizing student events at the Geological Society of America Conference. Student Representatives are further encouraged to develop and lead new student initiatives. In this role, students gain knowledge of the inner-workings of an international organization and experience in professional service.
 
The selected Student Representative (who will start their role in the fall) will join current Student Representative Carmi Milagros Thompson and serve a two-year term (Fall 2024–Fall 2026). Student Representatives attend two virtual Council meetings per year (one during fall near the time of the Geological Society of America Conference and the other during spring). 
 
Application Instructions and Requirements:

Reviewed by Andrej Spiridonov (Vilnius University, Lithuania)