Reynolds Field Station Hosts an Interdisciplinary Cohort of Experts

May 13-17, 2024

The Reynolds Field Station (RFS) was honored to host a cohort of experts from multiple disciplines and institutions to explore the property, provide advice, engage in an interdisciplinary collaboration, and conduct a paleontological excavation of Cretaceous leaf fossils. The gathering started with a short overview covering the regional tectonic and stratigraphic setting by Dr. Brian Hampton from New Mexico State University, and a perspective on the paleobotanical significance of the fossils that have been found at RFS so far by Dr. Dori Contreras from the Perot Museum of Nature & Science. The attendees:

• Dr. Greg Mack, Emeritus Professor, New Mexico State University and expert on Cretaceous deposits in New Mexico
• Dr. Gary Upchurch, curator University of Colorado Boulder Museum, retired Professor of Paleobotany and expert on Cretaceous paleobotany in New Mexico and Texas
• Dr. Lee Suttner, Emeritus Professor, Indiana University Geology and a Director on the RFS Board, and past Executive Director, Indiana University Field Station
• Mark Leonard, Director on the RFS Board and past Executive Director, Indiana University Field Station
• Albert Schultz, retired geologist, Conoco Phillips
• Dr. Dori Contreras, Curator of Paleobotany, Perot Museum of Nature and Science
• Dr. Brian Hampton, Associate Professor, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, New Mexico State University Department of Geological Sciences
• Dr. Jennifer Thines, Assistant Professor, Minerology and Volcanology, New Mexico State University Department of Geological Sciences
• Tabitha Gabay, Paleontological Excavation and Preparation, Perot Museum of Nature & Science
• Pamela Riddle, Paleontological Excavation and Preparation, Perot Museum of Nature & Science
• Shane Deacon, Graduate Student, New Mexico State University Department of Geological Sciences
• Jagger Giffing, Undergraduate Student, New Mexico State University Department of Geological Sciences

The group spent a few days of exploring outcrops, examining fossils, collecting samples, and discussing curriculum development and depositional environments. The Perot Museum team spent several days excavating and collecting fossils from a concentrated deposit of fossil leaves, and conferring with NMSU’s Dr. Brian Hampton on sedimentologic on stratigraphic context of the fossils. Meanwhile NMSU’s Dr. Jennifer Thines and Shane Deacon collected samples for the siderite research project (see our Programs and Research on this website for more information).

The collegial group had a great time examining outcrops and socializing in our newly upgraded dining hall and covered deck. We look forward to many more of what we call “A Gathering of Wizards”.