Hi!
I’m paleontologist Jingmai O'Connor aka paleontologista aka the punk rock paleontologist.
Using a variety of methods I study theropod dinosaurs with a focus on understanding the dinosaur-bird transition and the evolution of modern bird physiology.
Areas of Expertise
Mesozoic bird phylogeny
Using cladistics I seek to build the most comprehensive character matrix of fossil birds and their closest relatives in order to better understand the dinosaur-bird transition and the Cretaceous radiation of birds.
Flying dinosaurs
Discoveries in the last decade have revealed that volant behavior has most likely evolved repeatedly in dinosaurs closely related to birds. The how and why that underlie this locomotor revolution represents one of the most exciting aspects of theropod paleontology.
Fossil soft tissues
Through the study and analysis of observable Fossils preserve more than bones. Fossilized soft tissues reveal important aspects of extinct biology that can’t be gleaned from just the skeleton. Exploring methods to best study these tissues sheds light on unexpected aspects of extinct paravian biology.
Science needs to reach out
In an age of Science denialism and environmental crisis, research must be paired with community outreach. I am passionate about promoting diversity in STEM and igniting scientific interest in peoples of all ages through the exciting stories uncovered from spectacular fossil birds and their closest relatives.
Personal notes and thoughts about work I’m passionate about
Research
More Details
Chicago archaeopteryx
The best Archaeopteryx – EVER! Check out info from the first of many papers on this beauty.
Attenborough’s strange bird
The oldest toothless enantiornithine and the mystery of tooth loss in this clade.
Baby enantiornithines had it tough
A small piece of amber preserving immature enantiornithine feathers tells the tale of hardships these babies faced.
Outreach
In order to maximize the impact of scientific research and utilize the power of paleontology as a gateway science, I happily engage in outreach as opportunities arise.
My outreach also includes popular science articles, guest blogs (yes blogs!), responding to emails from students of all ages (go on, write me!), collections tours, and classroom visits.
