Female palaeontologist Jessica Lippincott did not grow up planning a career studying fossils. In fact, her remarkable journey into palaeontology began almost by accident. Everything Dinosaur recently reported on the scientific description of the unusual, chunky Jurassic belemnite Wyoteuthis linsterorum. Jessica was one of the researchers involved in the study. Therefore, we asked the Wyoming-based palaeontologist to tell us more about her career.

Wyoming palaeontologist, Jessica Lippincott, holding both specimens of the “chunky” belemnite Wyoteuthis linsterorum. Picture credit: Courtesy of Jessica Lippincott.

Picture credit: Courtesy of Jessica Lippincott

An Unexpected Introduction to Palaeontology

Jessica’s interest in palaeontology began when she was at high school. She initially applied for a summer job working with an archaeologist at the Bureau of Land Management. However, that position had already been filled. Instead, she learned about an opening at the Tate Museum in Casper, Wyoming. The job involved working as a palaeontology technician.

Jessica explained:

“At the time, I didn’t really have a big interest in dinosaurs or fossils, so I reluctantly took the job. Within two weeks of working, I was hooked and obsessed!”

That unexpected opportunity ultimately shaped her career.

Jessica continued working at the Tate Museum before moving to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis. Over the years, she has excavated sites across Wyoming. Much of her fieldwork has focused on the Sundance and Morrison formations.

In 2014, Jessica became Executive Director of the Big Horn Basin Foundation. Later, in 2017, she became Education Director at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

“Look! Belemnites!”

Ironically, Jessica never imagined that belemnites would become an important part of her research. These squid-like cephalopods are familiar fossils in Wyoming. Jessica recalls seeing them more than thirty years ago. Indeed, finding them became something of a running joke with fellow researcher Bill Wahl.

Whenever she encountered one in the field, she would enthusiastically announce:

“Look! Belemnites!”

However, the fossils that eventually became associated with Wyoteuthis were different.

Jessica immediately recognised the potential importance of the first specimen. A large belemnite had reportedly been discovered previously at Como Bluff, but that specimen had been lost. Crucially, the researchers now had two specimens available for scientific study.

Photo of Wyoteuthis linsterorum holotype on left, paratype on right. Picture credit: Courtesy of Jessica Lippincott.

Picture credit: Courtesy of Jessica Lippincott

Researching Wyoteuthis

The research team brought together considerable expertise. Alexey Ippolitov contributed his knowledge of belemnite distribution. Bill Wahl provided expertise concerning the Sundance Sea, while Dr Dean Lomax contributed his knowledge of marine reptiles and palaeoenvironments. Jessica recalled that the researchers suspected they might have a new species. However, the fossils proved even more intriguing than expected.

Scanning of the holotype and paratype demonstrated that they were not cylindroteuthidids, the belemnites normally associated with Wyoming’s Sundance Sea. Instead, they represented a relict branch of the Megateuthididae. Until this discovery, this belemnite family was absent from the known fossil record of Wyoming’s Sundance Sea.

To read our blog post about the discover of Wyoteuthis linsterorum: A New “Chunky” Belemnite from Wyoming.

Everything Dinosaur and Why Dinosaurs?

Jessica’s connection with Everything Dinosaur goes back several years. She was the executive producer of the documentary “Why Dinosaurs?”, a project exploring people’s enduring fascination with these prehistoric animals.

Everything Dinosaur sponsored the UK leg of the documentary’s promotional tour. Consequently, Mike and Sue had the opportunity to meet Jessica when she visited Britain.

Everything Dinosaur was proud to be a sponsor of a new dinosaur documentary entitled “WHY DINOSAURS?”. Female palaeontologist Jessica Lippincott was the executive producer. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Commenting on Jessica’s contribution to the study of Wyoteuthis linsterorum, Mike from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“We congratulate Jessica and her colleagues on their fascinating research into this remarkable ‘chunky’ belemnite. It is wonderful to see such an extraordinary fossil being scientifically described. We wish Jessica every success with her career and look forward to hearing about her future palaeontological adventures.”

It is wonderful to see Jessica continuing to contribute to palaeontology through research, education and science communication. Her career also demonstrates how a seemingly chance opportunity can completely change someone’s direction.

From reluctantly accepting a summer job to helping describe remarkable Jurassic fossils, Jessica Lippincott’s story provides an inspiring example of where curiosity and enthusiasm for science can lead.

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Museum Quality Models of Prehistoric Animals.

A Dorothea Bate blue plaque has been unveiled at the Natural History Museum at Tring (Hertfordshire). The plaque celebrates one of Britain’s most remarkable fossil hunters. Furthermore, it recognises a pioneering woman who helped transform our understanding of prehistoric animals and life on Earth.

Dorothea Bate (1878–1951) was a palaeontologist and archaeozoologist. She discovered extinct species across the Mediterranean. In addition, her research helped establish the foundations of modern archaeozoology. Archaeozoology is the scientific study of the remains of animals found at archaeological sites.

The newly unveiled blue plaque commemorating the contribution of Dorothea Bate. © Historic England. Shared by HE Comms.

Picture credit: © Historic England. Shared by HE Comms

Everything Dinosaur welcomes this recognition of an important scientist. The company has long championed the contribution made by women to palaeontology and the Earth Sciences.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Everything Dinosaur has always championed the contribution of women to palaeontology and the Earth Sciences. Dorothea Bate was a remarkable scientist and an inspirational fossil hunter. This blue plaque provides a fitting opportunity to celebrate her achievements. It also highlights the vital contribution women have made, and continue to make, to our understanding of the history of life on Earth.”

Indeed, we often commemorate the role of women in science on International Women’s Day which is celebrated annually on March the 8th.

Celebrating the role of female scientists (2020): Women in Science on International Women’s Day.

Honouring women in science (2022): Celebrating International Women’s Day – 2022.

Dorothea Bate – A Remarkable Fossil Hunter

Dorothea Bate was born in Carmarthen, Wales, in 1878. She developed a fascination with natural history at an early age. She received little formal education. Instead, she largely taught herself through observation, research and fieldwork. As a young woman, she explored the Gloucestershire countryside and caves searching for fossils. In 1900, Bate travelled to the Natural History Museum in London. She approached museum staff and asked for work behind the scenes. Her determination paid off. She became an assistant and began an association with the institution lasting more than half a century.

Natural History Museum Geology Department. Dorothea Bate is sat in the front row to the far right. Picture credit: From the Library and Archives, NHM London. Shared by Cordelia Porter.

Picture credit: From the Library and Archives, NHM London. Shared by Cordelia Porter

Remarkably, she published her first scientific paper in 1901.

Bate subsequently undertook expeditions throughout the Mediterranean. Often travelling alone, she explored remote caves looking for evidence of prehistoric animals.

In Cyprus, she discovered a previously unknown dwarf elephant. Later, while working in the Balearic Islands, she discovered Myotragus. This extraordinary extinct animal has been described as a goat-like antelope.

To read our article from 2009 about some remarkable research: Myotragus – The Goat That Behaved Like a Reptile.

Her fieldwork could be extremely challenging. Bate crossed difficult terrain carrying a relatively simple collection kit. Nevertheless, she recovered fossils that would make an enormous contribution to science.

Dorothea on a dig. Picture credit: From the Library and Archives, NHM London. Shared by Cordelia Porter.

Picture credit: From the Library and Archives, NHM London. Shared by Cordelia Porter

Understanding Ancient Animals and Environments

Later in her career, Bate worked closely with archaeologists. She studied animal remains recovered from ancient cave sites. As a result, she helped pioneer the modern science of archaeozoology.

Importantly, she recognised that changes in animal communities could provide evidence about past environments. Her research helped scientists understand how climatic changes affected wildlife and early human populations. During the Second World War, Bate transferred to the Natural History Museum at Tring. In 1948, she became Officer-in-Charge, a senior role in the organisation. She was responsible for managing and displaying the museum’s collections.

Her scientific achievements were substantial. Dorothea Bate published more than eighty scientific papers. However, she spent much of her career without a permanent paid position.

Dorothea Bate with Sir Temi Zammit (Museum Director) & Dr. Joseph Baldacchino (Curator of Natural History) at the National Museum, Valletta. Malta. Picture credit: © National Museum of Archaeology/Heritage Malta. Shared by HE Comms.

Picture credit: © National Museum of Archaeology/Heritage Malta. Shared by HE Comms

Championing Women in the Earth Sciences and the Dorothea Bate Blue Plaque

Bate’s achievements become even more remarkable when considered in their historical context. Opportunities for women in science were extremely limited during much of her career. She was one of the first women to work at the Natural History Museum. Consequently, her success helped demonstrate the enormous contribution women could make to palaeontology and natural history.

Dr Sandra Knapp, Director of Research at the Natural History Museum, highlighted how the role of female scientists in natural history has often been overlooked. She explained that Bate’s research on fossil mammals was innovative and helped establish a path for others.

Dr Knapp explained:

“The role of women scientists in natural history is often hidden – but Dorothea Bate’s work with fossil mammals was both innovative and set a path for others, despite obstacles.”

The national blue plaque helps ensure that Dorothea Bate receives greater recognition.

Staff and officials attending the unveiling ceremony. © Historic England. Shared by HE Comms.

Picture credit: © Historic England. Shared by HE Comms

Everything Dinosaur believes highlighting pioneers such as Bate is important. Women now make vital contributions across palaeontology, geology, evolutionary biology and the wider Earth Sciences. Moreover, recognising scientists from the past can inspire the scientists of the future.

Dorothea Bate combined curiosity, determination and formidable field skills. Her fossil discoveries continue to have scientific importance. More than seventy years after her death, her influence remains.

The national blue plaque at Tring provides a fitting tribute to an exceptional scientist and fossil hunter. It also celebrates a woman who helped pave the way for generations of scientists who followed her.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from Historic England and email correspondence with the media team at the London Natural History Museum in the compilation of this article.

Today, May the 8th (2026), is the 100th birthday of the naturalist, broadcaster and author Sir David Attenborough. Many happy returns Sir David. For many of us, indeed for most of us, Sir David has always been there. His voice and storytelling have shaped how we understand the natural world. I have grown up with Sir David Attenborough; he has been a constant throughout my life. I clearly remember the seminal series “Life on Earth” being broadcast in 1979. It was groundbreaking at the time, and it remains influential today.

I also recall watching the series on cryptozoology narrated by Sir David Attenborough.  It was entitled “Fabulous Animals”, and it was a BBC children’s television series.  The programme demonstrated his unique ability to inspire curiosity, even when discussing the unknown.

On a personal note, I have had the privilege to correspond with Sir David. One of my most treasured possessions is a signed photograph that he kindly sent to me. It serves as a lasting reminder of his generosity and the impact he has had on so many lives.

Still enthusing about the Natural World.  Many happy returns Sir David.

Happy 100th Birthday Sir David Attenborough

Over the decades, Sir David has achieved something truly remarkable. He has brought the natural world into our homes with clarity and authority. In addition, his work has consistently highlighted the fragility of ecosystems. As a result, millions of people have developed a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and conservation.

Importantly, his passion extends beyond living species. His interest in deep time and prehistoric life is equally compelling. This was clearly demonstrated in “Lost Worlds, Vanished Lives”. It was a four-part documentary series aired in 1989 that explored fossils.  Consequently, Sir David helped audiences understand extinction, evolution, and the vast timescales involved in our planet’s history.

In addition, he has explored the Dinosauria on numerous occasions. Notably in a 2016 documentary examining huge sauropod fossils found in Argentina: Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur.

The fossils were later assigned to a new species of titanosaur – Patagotitan mayorum.

The enormous body of the titanosaur (Patagotitan mayorum) towers over visitors. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Other prehistoric animal themed projects associated with this gifted broadcaster include the first two series of “Prehistoric Planet”. He narrated both series. In addition, the television series “First Life” that was broadcast in 2010.

Many Happy Returns

Today, as we celebrate his 100th birthday, it is fitting to reflect on his extraordinary legacy. His work has not only educated but also motivated action. Through his storytelling, he has encouraged us all to take responsibility for the natural world.

Therefore, we thank Sir David Attenborough. His contribution to science communication and conservation is unparalleled. His influence will undoubtedly continue for generations to come.

Many happy returns Sir David.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of palaeontologist Mark Norell last week.  Mark was research associate and chairman of palaeontology at the American Museum of Natural History. His contribution to the science of palaeontology was immense, he will be dearly missed.  We contacted the American Museum of Natural History in New York and enquired about an obituary.  Kendra Snyder (Assistant Director of Science Communication), explained that they had worked closely with The New York Times, and an obituary had been published this weekend.

Mark had been suffering from ill health for some time.  He continued to pursue a number of projects, for example he was the scientific advisor to PNSO. The palaeontological community is in mourning.  He was a visionary scientist with a gift for communication.  His research forever changed our perception of the Dinosauria. Norell’s impact was most noticeable in the study of feathered theropod dinosaurs. His work inspired countless students and researchers around the world.

Palaeontologist Mark Norell who sadly passed away last week. We first came across the work of this remarkable palaeontologist when we were sent a copy of the book “Unearthing the Dragon”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Palaeontologist Mark Norell

He was at the forefront of research into feathered dinosaurs in the 1990s.  He worked closely with several notable Chinese palaeontologists helping to document the remarkable fossils unearthed in Liaoning Province. Through meticulous study of oviraptorids, troodontids, and other theropods, he provided compelling evidence that feathers, nests, and brooding behaviours evolved deep within Dinosauria.

Mark Norell’s passing leaves a void, but his legacy endures in every fossil exhibit, in every student he inspired, and in every new discovery shaped by his work. He showed us that dinosaurs were far more dynamic, complex, and bird-like than once imagined. His contributions will continue to resonate for generations.

He wrote or co-authored numerous books.  For example, we were sent a copy of “Unearthing the Dragon”, a book documenting Mark’s adventures exploring the amazing fossils of Liaoning Province.  The book, co-written with Mick Ellison provided a personal account of his work in China.

“Unearthing the Dragon”

“Unearthing the Dragon” was one of the first books about dinosaurs that we were sent.  We were not surprised when Mark became the scientific advisor to PNSO.  He leaves behind an amazing body of work, Sue and I would like to express our condolences to Mark’s family, his work colleagues and to those many fortunate people who regarded him as a friend.

Many happy returns Sir David Attenborough. The acclaimed naturalist and broadcaster celebrates his ninety-ninth birthday today.  Ninety-nine times around the sun, that is something to celebrate.  On this special day for the country, we dedicate today’s blog post to a national treasure.

Still enthusing about the natural world and still campaigning and raising awareness about global conservation efforts.

Happy Birthday Sir David Attenborough

Sir David’s energy and enthusiasm for the natural world shows no sign of diminishing despite him being just twelve months short of his centenary.

A regular presenter and contributor to British television programmes since the 1950s, Sir David’s adventures continue to inspire. His insights into our amazing planet and the natural world have inspired generations of wildlife lovers and champions of conservation. He remains one of the most influential campaigners for and advocate of conservation in the world.

Happy birthday Sir David, may you continue to inspire and educate.

Many happy returns Sir Charles Darwin. On this day in 1809, Charles Robert Darwin was born.  Later knighted, he is most famous for his groundbreaking theory of evolution through natural selection.  He was not alone in considering how species change over time.  The contribution of the remarkable Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 to 1913) is often overlooked. It was Wallace who jointly published ideas on natural selection and the origin of species with Charles Darwin.

Both of these great scientists fundamentally changed our understanding of the natural world and laid the foundation for modern botany and biology.

The Sir Charles Darwin bust on display at the Darwin Building of the Wellcome Trust in London. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To read an Everything Dinosaur blog post about Alfred Russel Wallace: Remembering the Contribution of Alfred Russel Wallace.

Sir Charles Darwin

Darwin was born in Shrewsbury (Shropshire) on the 12th of February 1809. His parents were wealthy, and his grandfather (Josiah Wedgwood) was the founder of the famous pottery company Wedgwood. His grandfather on his father’s side of the family was Erasmus Darwin, a doctor who was passionate about learning about natural history. Perhaps, it was the writing, poems and research of the young Darwin’s grandfather that first inspired him to study the natural world.  Sadly, Erasmus Darwin died before Charles Darwin was born.

Over a long and distinguished career Charles Darwin became one of the most influential thinkers of his age.  Charles Darwin attended both the University of Edinburgh and Cambridge University.  On a visit to Cambridge Mike and Sue of Everything Dinosaur visited the building where Darwin lived whilst he studied at Christ’s College.

Following Darwin’s epic five-year journey circumnavigating the globe on HMS Beagle, Darwin returned to England and began to build up evidence to support his ideas regarding natural selection.  This culminated in the publication of the “Origin of Species” in November 1859.

Darwin had formulated his theory around twenty years earlier.  However, he was wary about publishing as his ideas directly contradicted the biblical account of creation.  In 1858, Alfred Russel Wallace published a paper outlining natural selection.  In reaction to this Darwin joined Wallace and delivered a joint lecture on evolutionary theory at the Linnean Society of London.  The groundbreaking and revolutionary “Origin of Species” was published more than a year after.

To read our blog post about the 150th anniversary of the publication of the “Origin of Species”: Celebrating the Publication of the “Origin of Species”.

Happy birthday Sir Charles Darwin.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Toys.

Some sad news.  Professor Dong Zhiming one of the most influential palaeontologists of the last sixty years has passed away at the age of eighty-seven.  Born in eastern China (Shandong Province) in 1937, Dong Zhiming rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s forging a reputation as an authority of Chinese dinosaurs. He was mentored at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) by the great C. C. Young, regarded as the “father of Chinese palaeontology”. Having graduated with a degree in biology, Dong Zhiming joined the IVPP and was soon participating in fieldwork excavating dinosaur fossil specimens. He was much admired for his academic rigour and his uncanny ability to find fossils.

Dong Zhiming one of the most influential palaeontologists of the last sixty years. During his career he named and described over forty genera of dinosaurs. Many of our dinosaur books feature his image when highlighting dinosaur fossil discoveries in China.

Professor Dong Zhiming (1937 – 2024)

He played a prominent role forging scientific co-operation with universities and museums outside of his native China.  For example, in the mid-1980s he was instrumental in the formation of the China-Canada Dinosaur Project. Working in collaboration with Philip Currie and Dale Russell, this project involved the mapping and exploration of a number of key dinosaur fossil sites in both Canada and China. The Chinese sauropod Mamenchisaurus sinocanadorum was named in honour of the work of the China-Canada Dinosaur Project.

A Mamenchisaurus drawing. Several species have been assigned to this genus.  For example, M. sinocanadorum, which is one of the larger species.  Mamenchisaurus sinocanadorum honours the China-Canada Dinosaur Project. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Naming Dinosaur Taxa

During his long and distinguished career Professor Dong Zhiming named and described over forty dinosaur genera.  Furthermore, the vast majority are these dinosaur genera are still regarded as valid today.  He was instrumental in helping to build up a detailed picture of the dinosaur biota that once roamed the land we now know as China.  He wrote or co-authored hundreds of technical papers.  For example, he named Wuerhosaurus in 1973 and co-authored the first scientific description of the Chinese theropod Yangchuanosaurus (Dong at al 1978).

Model collectors will know that many of the popular PNSO dinosaur models represent taxa named by Professor Dong Zhiming.  Indeed, the professor was honoured in 1994 when the Chinese metriacanthosaurid Sinraptor dongi was named after him.

The PNSO Xinchuan Sinraptor dinosaur model in lateral view. The species name of this Chinese metriacanthosaurid honours Professor Dong Zhiming acknowledging his enormous contribution to palaeontology.

In the scientific paper describing S. dongi, published in 1993, the etymology of the species name is explained.  The professor’s huge contribution to Chinese palaeontology is implied:

“The species is named after the discover of the type specimen Zhiming Dong, who also worked on the description of the closely related form, Yangchuanosaurus.”

The professor also named and scientifically described other Mesozoic reptiles.  For instance, in 1972 he named the giant ichthyosaur Himalayasaurus (H. tibetensis). In addition, Professor Dong Zhiming was co-author of the scientific paper that described the enigmatic pterosaur Jidapterus edentus from western Liaoning Province.

To read more about the giant ichthyosaur Himalayasaurus: Tucsan the Himalayasaurus.

PNSO Prehistoric Animal Figures

It is fitting that one of the world’s leading prehistoric animal model ranges features replicas of dinosaurs and other reptiles named by Dong Zhiming.  An objective of the team behind the PNSO range of figures is to help raise the profile of Chinese dinosaurs and their research.  Lots of young people have had their first encounter with a Chinese dinosaur as a result of acquiring a PNSO model.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It was sad to hear the news from China of the passing of Professor Dong Zhiming. Many of my dinosaur books from childhood discussed his discoveries and included information about dinosaurs he had named and described.  His immense contribution to palaeontology has been acknowledged and through the PNSO models his work will continue to be honoured.”