I am a vertebrate paleontologist... or paleobiologist. Depends on my mood! I study the fossils of animals with a backbone to understand their evolution, and I also use living animals for context and vice versa.

I am a freshly minted Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University in New Jersey. I am additionally a Research Associate at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) and Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLA). I am also a media consultant and public speaker. See my Teaching & Outreach and Media & Press tabs for more info!