Re: Future of palaeontology

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Bryan Levman wrote:

> At the University of Toronto where I am studying, for example, there is
> only one palaeontologist (Geoff Norris, a palynologist), and ROM only has a
> few as well (Peter von Bitter, conodonts; Dave Rudkin, trilobites; Des
> Collins, Burgess Shale).

For those who are wondering, Prof. Jock McAndrews, the Quaternary 
paleobotanist/palynologist at the Royal Ontario Museum, is very active and 
continues his cross-appointment to Geology at UofT.  And for anyone one cares, I
myself am still at the University of Toronto, albeit on soft money, having 
taught "The History of Life" to 150 students earlier this year.

These and Bryan's observations nevertheless reinforce my view that our 
Department, along with so many others, remains undercommitted to paleontology as
a core subject.

Bryan Levman also wrote:
> As the population ages, huge numbers of older adults are
> going back to school for personal enhancement and/or credit. Many of these
> are former alumni of the universities and current financial supporters.
> They are mostly well off. We need their support

Bryan's comment on the need to reach not ONLY to young students entering the 
system, but also to the mid- and end-career mature students, is an important and
overlooked point.

I wonder how many university "schools of continuing studies" list a paleontology
course as an option (the University of Toronto does not!).  If this number is 
low, it's not their fault but OUR in failing to capitalize on a huge potential 
market.

Martin.



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Martin J. Head                                 FAX: (416) 978-3938
AASP WebMaster                               Phone: (416) 978-5080
Department of Geology              head@quartz.geology.utoronto.ca
University of Toronto 
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        Personal: http://www3.geology.utoronto.ca/~head
      American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists:
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