Becoming Squalo-doctor: A PhD Journey with an Iconic Toothed Whale of the Calvert Cliffs

Dr. Margot D. Nelson, a newly minted PhD from George Mason University, joins the NHSM Fossil Club for a talk on her doctoral dissertation research on the Squalodontidae, a family of toothed whales present in the late Oligocene to middle Miocene. Find out what initially brought her into whale paleontology, and why the Squalodontidae was the perfect topic for a doctoral dissertation. The talk also includes a travelogue of her pandemic research trip in Europe to study critical and historical specimens. Also highlighted are some of results of her dissertation research, along with some obligatory Moby Dick references.
Dr. Nelson is a transplant to the Mid-Atlantic region from the Pacific Northwest. She completed her undergraduate degree at University of Washington in Seattle, where she began her research career into the fossil record of toothed whales. She then completed her master’s and doctoral degrees at George Mason University under the guidance of eminent whale paleontologist, Dr. Mark Uhen. Now a postdoctoral researcher at the Calvert Marine Museum, she explores the evolutionary relationships, anatomy, and biodiversity of toothed whales through time.
Natural History Society of Maryland’s Fossil Club is a group of novice and more experienced collectors who meet to exchange knowledge, help with fossil identification, and discuss fossil locations and other fossil-related topics. Monthly meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month and are open to all.
If you are a fossil enthusiast, please consider joining (www.marylandna.... NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families. The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, so the fee you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible. Learn more about NHSM Clubs: • Clubapalooza An Intro...