I am a vertebrate palaeontologist and comparative anatomist, with a background in the bio- and geosciences, a PhD in vertebrate paleontology from Ireland's leading medical school, and extensive research and teaching experience. I am a Senior Lecturer in Palaeontology at the University of Portsmouth (UK), where I teach modules in vertebrate anatomy and evolution and palaeontology. I am also a research associate with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (USA), and a visiting research scholar at the University of Detroit Mercy (USA). My current research interests include vertebrate morphology and evolution, Mesozoic chronostratigraphy, and bioinformatics.

 

Over the last decade I have led several paleontological expeditions to Africa's Sahara desert, in search of some of the most enigmatic fossil assemblages. This research has been featured in Nature, Science, National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, Discover Magazine, and many other high-impact publications.

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I am passionate about the public understanding of science. Over the last decade, I have reached millions of people around the globe, using a multitude of formats, including high-profile speaking tours, exhibits, educational videos, and books. I am also a speaker with the renowned National Geographic speakers bureau, reaching large audiences across North America.