EARLY WORK

Paul says he developed an interest in science as a kid, mostly outside of the classroom. While growing up in Naperville, Illinois, he received a butterfly-collecting kit from his father and built a go-kart from scratch.

A behind-the-scenes tour of a museum during college inspired Paul to pursue paleontology. “It was very clear after that I could combine art, travel, adventure, science, the whole works,” he says. “It was all related.”

Paul, his brother, and his four sisters all pursued careers in science. “I have to attribute that to being challenged to make your life interesting as a kid,” he says.

MOST EXCITING PART OF YOUR WORK

“The most fulfilling things are when you do something that you think only you could do, and you leave a mark on science that way.”

MOST DEMANDING PART OF YOUR WORK

Paul says the most difficult part of his profession is maintaining personal relationships and diplomacy while juggling different responsibilities. “It’s mega multi-tasking,” he says.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE GEOGRAPHY?

The paleontologist believes geography is not just the current landscape, but also what has happened to that landscape over time.

“The geography of the present world is one of many geographies that have existed and are really deserving of our interest and attention,” he says.

GEO-CONNECTION

Paul says he uses geography to find the best places to search for fossils. “It’s really a geographic exercise of combining a topographic [map] over a geologic map,” he says. “That identifies the areas that are plausibly accessible and the age of the Earth that will guide you to the hunting grounds.”

The paleontologist also notes that GPS technology, a satellite-based navigation system, has revolutionized his profession. “The GPS has been the most fundamental tool that has transformed ours and other disciplines in the sense that when you find something, you can always re-find it,” Paul says.

SO, YOU WANT TO BE A . . . PALEONTOLOGIST

“As always, I think that it’s great to get involved in extra-curricular activities, museum activities, any way that you can show and express an experience or interest,” he says.

In addition, Paul believes watching a scientist work can be inspiring and informative. “The best stimulus for a kid that has never considered science—much less a kid that is interested in science—is to let them experience a real scientist and the excitement that drives real science,” he says.

GET INVOLVED

“There are state parks and paleontological exploration spots all around us in every state,” Paul says. “There is no way to understand paleontology, time traveling, and geography without going out and putting your feet on the ground.”