Digging into the Paleontologist Experience
Curious about how paleontology fits into the world of construction? We sat down with one of KLJ’s experienced paleontologists, Allen Shaw, to discuss their work, the challenges and rewards of their field, and what it takes to build a career in paleontology.
Allen is a vertebrate paleontologist with more than 26 years of experience, including eight years at KLJ. He specializes in vertebrate fossil collection and preparation. At KLJ, mitigating impacts on paleontological resources for infrastructure projects occasionally includes these two aspects. Allen is knowledgeable in paleontology laws and has secured permits and repository agreements for fossil protection. Allen has taught university courses, published articles, presented his expertise at conferences and the fossils he has prepared have been included in exhibits and museums throughout the nation.
Here’s what he had to say:
Q: What role do paleontologists play in KLJ’s construction projects?
A: Paleontologists are vital in ensuring that construction projects comply with regulations protecting fossils. Our team analyzes the geology and surveys surface exposures, bedrock outcrops, and excavations to identify any potential fossil localities of scientific interest and importance. If something is found, we document the findings, determine its significance, and collect the scientifically important specimens. At times this requires limited excavations to recover larger specimens. Our goal is to balance the needs of the construction project with the importance of preserving our prehistoric past for future generations.
Q: What do you hope to uncover or learn as a project progresses?
A: Every project is a discovery waiting to happen. We always hope to encounter fossils that provide insights into prehistoric life and the past environmental conditions. Whether it’s a common or unique fossil, every discovery helps to inform us of our planet’s prehistoric past, adding pieces to the puzzle of geologic history. As the project progresses, we aim to complete the field survey or monitoring in a timely and cost-effective manner along with protecting and preserving the fossils encountered.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges in this field, particularly when working on construction sites?
A: One of the biggest challenges is balancing the interests of the construction project with the need for preservation. Construction schedules can be tight, and delays can be costly. Our job is to work efficiently and carefully to minimize disruption while ensuring that any significant finds are appropriately documented and preserved. Another challenge is that you never know what you'll find – sometimes, we uncover something spectacular, and other times, it’s a bit of a waiting game.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work at KLJ?
A: I love the sense of discovery and the opportunity to work on projects that combine my passion for prehistoric life with the practical demands of modern development. It's incredibly rewarding to know that our work helps to protect and preserve remnants of the past while contributing to the growth and development of communities. Each project brings new surprises, new challenges, and new stories to uncover.
Q: How do you see the future of paleontology evolving in the context of construction and development?
A: As construction and development expand, there will be even more opportunities for collaboration between paleontologists and developers. I believe we'll see more use of technology, like ground-penetrating radar and 3D modeling, to help identify sites of interest more efficiently. The future will bring more integration of historical preservation into project planning, ensuring that we respect our past while building our future.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring paleontologists?
A: Stay curious and be prepared for a lot of fieldwork! Paleontology is not just about studying in a lab; it involves getting out into the field, sometimes in challenging conditions. It’s also important to have a solid grounding in a variety of sciences – understanding geology is just as crucial as knowing the types of fossils uncovered and identifying them. Never underestimate the value of collaboration; working with a diverse team can offer fresh perspectives on any dig or find.
