BLM Fossil Display is a Tribute to Researcher

Story by Greg Liggett, Paleontologist, Montana/Dakotas State Office

Thomas Carr and Megan Seitz from the Kenosha, Wisconsin, Dinosaur Discovery Museum used BLM fossils to create a tribute to a colleague, Andrew Parisi.

“Andrew started volunteering with us when he was an undergraduate student and he stuck with us through graduate school - his dedication to our field program was a welcome surprise,” explained Carr. “Andrew was at the receiving end of a motor vehicle accident, and we regret that he is currently unable to join us in the field.”

Parisi is recovering from a severe traumatic brain injury suffered in January 2021.

This led them to set up an exhibit with many of the fossils that Parisi had collected to celebrate his many contributions to their field program.

“Out of all the years and finds that he made, getting credit wasn't Andrew's priority; instead, his priority was the job, the team, and the work,” Seitz recalled.

“One of Andrew's most impressive fossil discoveries was finding the better part of a set of crocodilian lower jaws, with implanted teeth!” Carr said.

BLM fossil resources have been used in many ways, mostly in research and education. These fossils are being used to honor a beloved colleague—a magnificent use.