Re: geology or biology?

From
Date
Regarding the placement of paleontologists as geologists or biologists,
exclusion is a real danger. In my early career, trained as a sedimentary
paleoecologist and ichnologist, I was occasionally denied work "because we
were really looking for a sedimentologist" or "we wanted a paleontologist."
My explanation that I was really both, and therefore a bargain, was not
welcomed either in academia or in government.

Let me give you an example. When applying for work as a Geologist in state
government, I applied in two formal options, Paleontology and
Sedimentology. The form called for a list of college courses to be graded
for credit. Because I mailed both applications in the same package, I soon
received a letter stating that I could not double-list courses under two
options, and both applications were sent back. Thus, I was forced to choose
whether such courses as "Paleoecology," "Introduction to Ichnology," and
even "Sedimentary Paleoecology" were paleontologic or sedimentologic,
because a personnel clerk did not understand that these fields overlap.
This lowered my chances for getting a job by lowering my rating in each
option. I got a job anyway--as a Sedimentologist who is now Curator of the
Paleontological Collection!--but I did have to work harder for it!

Despite decades of encouraging interdisciplinary studies, most academics
are still uncomfortable with the idea. My advice to beginners? Be aware
that you may end up working with either geologists or biologists, but
probably not both. Maintain your core specialization, but acquaint yourself
with the language and customs of the other field. Read journals and attend
meetings and seminars of the other field. When looking for a job, use
protective coloration; call yourself all geologist or all biologist, not
both. Claim the other field as your unofficial "minor." If you get
irritated, remind yourself that, as a generalist, you have twice the job
opportunities that you would have as a specialist.

But, for the record: A scientist belongs to the field of specialization
that he or she espouses. It is arrogant to tell other people that they
"really" belong to some other field than the one they have studied for
years. And a person who claims two fields may well be competent in both.

Andrew K. Rindsberg                     Telephone (205) 349-2852
Curator, Paleontological Collection     Telefax (205) 349-2861
Geological Survey of Alabama            <arindsberg@ogb.gsa.tuscaloosa.al.us>
P.O. Box O
Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-9780, USA