Disclosure of findings and contributions to human resources |
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Introduction |
Results from this study are being submitted to major, peer reviewed paleontological and evolutionary journals. Justifications and in depth descriptions of our research and findings (written in lay terms) are being posted with our archive of histological images on worldwide web sites at each of our host institutions. This project contributes to the education and expertise of several graduate student assistants enrolled in Florida State University's doctoral program in Biological Science, and will thus add personnel to the small group of researchers with detailed knowledge of paleohistology. These students are finding their own projects within or beyond the broader bounds of this research and become intellectually responsible for their own creative research. Visits to the American Museum of Natural History and the Science Museum of Minnesota are further enhancing student expertise. Undergraduate student assistants are being hired part-time for the academic year at Florida State University and the American Museum of Natural History for the three-year duration of the project to develop web pages for histological samples, growth curves, life history parameters, and other related material as it arises from the proposed research. In addition, one undergraduate student research assistant is being hired at the Science Museum of Minnesota each year, and will conduct senior thesis research while assisting with histological specimen preparation and web design. With regard to broader outreach, both the Science Museum of Minnesota and the American Museum of Natural History are regionally and nationally known for their paleontological research. Both institutions intend to make this research accessible to the public through development of a web-presence. In addition, the Science Museum of Minnesota has recently begun a Paleontology Initiative campaign to increase the presence of current paleontological research in the visitor space. Partnerships with Curry Rogers and exhibits will result in a broad, public audience for interesting discoveries and methods that result from this research. The AMNH Education Department also runs a summer intern program in which local high school students can assist with research projects. We are introducing some of these individuals to this project. From the standpoint of infrastructuraral benefits, this research is the first partnership between Norell, Curry Rogers, and Erickson. The blending of our strengths and facilities enables integration of research methods and the capacity to explore new avenues (e.g. histology and life history). Colleagues at our individual institutions benefit from interactions during visits and will be able to utilize equipment purchased through this research project. |
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Next: References
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