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Recent graduates
Graduates from the MSc in Palaeobiology have secured a wide range of funded PhD positions in institutions on both sides of the Atlantic, placements in the media and education, and commercial jobs. You can also read a complete list of past projects completed by all our graduates so far.

PhD positions
  1. Rachel Allen (2002); Basal archosaur phylogeny (Northern Illinois University, DeKalb).
  2. Viv Allen (2005): Dinosaur biomechanics (Royal Veterinary College, London).
  3. Steve Brusatte (2008): Theropod phylogeny (American Museum of Natural History). Contact.
  4. Andre Butler (2006): Global scale patterns in below-ground tropical biome functioning (University of Edinburgh).
  5. John Clarke (2010): How does phylogeny impact interpretations of extinction in 'deep time'? (University of Oxford).
  6. Matt Cobley (2011): Physiological evolution in vertebrates (University of Utah).
  7. Nick Crumpton (2009): Anatomical correlates of electrosensitivity in mammals (University of Cambridge). Contact.
  8. Ben Davies (2001): Hydrodynamics of the jawless fishes (University of Leicester). Contact.
  9. Julien Divay (2005): Microvertebrates from the Late Cretaceous (University of Alberta). Contact.
  10. Ross Elgin (2005): Flight and flight control in short tailed Pterosauria (University of Karlsruhe).
  11. Denver Fowler (2000): The Hell Creek-Lance transition (Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman). Contact.
  12. Thomas Halliday (2011): Paleocene mammal phylogenetics and evolution
  13. Nicola Heckeberg (2010): Deer, antlers and trees - a total evidence approach to cervid evolution (LMU, Muncih and Cambridge)
  14. Peter Heintzmann (2008): The rate, timing and extent of insect species turnover in response to climatically-driven change (Royal Holloway, University of London)
  15. Christophe Hendrickx (2008): Evolution of teeth and feeding-related bones in nonavian theropods (Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal). Contact.
  16. Phil Jardine (2006): Palaeocene vegetation and climate change from the US Gulf coast (University of Birmingham). Contact.
  17. Suzanne Jennions (2010): Consequences of ocean acidification for biodiversity and food resources in the future (University of Bristol).
  18. Sarah Joomun (2003): Microwear in mammal teeth and climate evolution (Royal Holloway, University of London). Contact.
  19. Sarah Keenan (2009): Ancestral Crocodylomorpha-microbe symbioses based on the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) gut microbiome (University of Tennessee). Contact.
  20. Ben Kotrc (2006): Origin and early evolution of life (Harvard University). Contact.
  21. James Lamsdell (2008): Selectivity in evolution of arthropod groups, with focus on mass extinctions and radiations: a phylogenetic and biogeographic approach (University of Kansas). Contact.
  22. David Legg (2009): Fitting fossil arthropods into modern phylogenies (Imperial College London).
  23. Christine Lipkin (2003): Evolution of gigantism in sauropod dinosaurs (University of Bonn). Contact.
  24. Chloe Marquart (2008): Investigating morphological diversity in dinosaurs (University of Cambridge).
  25. Dimitri Michailidis (2000): Pleistocene avifaunas and hominid remains from Greece (University of Athens).
  26. Charlotte Miller (2005): Locomotor biomechanics of elephants (Royal Veterinary School, London). Read a profile of Charlotte from the Independent here . Contact.
  27. James Neenan (2009): Phylogenetic relationships of placodont reptiles (Diapsida, Sauropterygia) as evidenced by 3D imaging, bone histology, and developmental data (University of Zürich). Contact.
  28. Emma Nicholls (2006): Sharks as indicators of trophic structure within mid-Cretaceous watermasses (University College, London).
  29. Dan Oakley (2004): Early angiosperm systematics and ecology: evidence from charcoal assemblages in the Czech Republic (University of Bristol).
  30. Lorna O'Brien (2006): Palaeoecology of the Burgess Shale (Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada). Contact.
  31. Kate Olde (2009): Ocean acidification and selective mass extinction at the Cretaceous-Palaeogene boundary (Kingston University, London).
  32. John Orcutt (2006): Faunal recovery after the Permo-Triassic mass extinction (University of Oregon).
  33. Javier Ortega-Hernandez (2009): Using Burgess Shale-type microfossils to track the Cambrian explosion (Cambridge University). Contact.
  34. Edine Pape (2012): Investigating biogeochemical evidence for chemosymbiosis at fossil cold seeps (University of Leeds).
  35. Mark Puttick (2013): Ecological selectivity during the end-Permian mass extinction (University of Bristol).
  36. Kelly Richards (2009): Early Carboniferous chondrichthyan faunas from the Peak District of Derbyshire: skeletal anatomy, systematics, phylogeny and environments (University of Cambridge). Contact.
  37. Alexei Rivera (2004): Evolution of rocky shores through time (University of California, Berkeley, California).
  38. Chris Rogers (2012): Vertebrate taphonomy of the Jehol Group (Early Cretaceous), NE China (University of Bristol).
  39. Tamsin Rothery (1998): Pleurosaur biology and systematics (small marine lizard-like reptiles) (McGill University, Montreal). Contact.
  40. Lara Shychoski (2006): Morphometrics of tyrannosauiroid feeding (University of Alberta, Edmonton). Contact.
  41. Snorri Sigurdsson (2005): The evolution of birds (AMNH, City University of New York). Contact.
  42. Ben Slater (2009): Reconstructing the Permo-Triassic floras of Prince Charles Mountains (Antarctica): phylogenetic and evolutionary significance (University of Birmingham)
  43. Andrew Smith (2000): Early Carboniferous terrestrial ecosystems (National University of Ireland, Galway). Contact.
  44. Elizabeth Sweet (2006): Carbon-13 in particulate organic matter in the southern ocean (Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Sciences, Bremerhaven, Germany. Contact.
  45. Ceri-Wyn Thomas (2006): Decoding the fossil record of early metazoan development (University of Bristol).
  46. Nathalie Thomas (2000): Taphonomy and diversity of a Carboniferous Lagerstatte: The invertebrates of Bear Gulch (University of Leicester). Contact.
  47. Jo Whalen (2011): Ocean acidification and selective mass extinction at the Cretaceous-Palaeogene boundary (Kingston University, London). Contact.
  48. Emily Woodruff (2010): Early primate evolution (Florida Museum of Natural History). Contact.
PhDs Completed
These former MSc students have completed PhDs, and are now pursuing their further careers.
  1. Dr Colin Barras (2002): Origin and early diversification of irregular echinoids (University of Birmingham/ NHM, 2003-6); now a science writer. Contact.
  2. Dr Huw Boulton (1998): Taphonomy of insects (University of Bristol); now a laboratory technician at University of Cardiff. href="mailto:vallen@rvc.ac.uk">Contact.
  3. Dr Bjorn Brooks (2001): Macroevolution of Cambrian trilobites (University of Iowa). Now, Postdoc., Center for Climatic Researchm, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2009-). Contact.
  4. Dr Tom Challands (2003): Biosphere and geosphere dynamics during end Ordovician climate change (University of Durham). Now, Geology Collection Assistant, Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow.
  5. Dr Andrea Cobbett (2004): The tree of life and data quality (University of Bath); now Investigating officer, Somerset CID. Contact.
  6. Dr Ian Corfe (2002): Biodiversity, the tree of life, and objectivity: testing the concept of character weight (University of Bristol/NHM, 2002-6); postdoc University of Helsinki (2008-). Contact.
  7. Dr John Cunningham (2002): The evolution of echinoid life history strategies (University of Liverpool); now postdoc., University of Bristol. Contact.
  8. Dr Katie Davis (2003): A supertree of birds (University of Glasgow); postdocs in Oxford, Bath, and now BBSRC Bioninformatics post, Natural History Museum, London. Contact.
  9. Dr Rob Davis (2006): A supertree of insect families (University of York); now, postdoc., University of Tartu, Estonia.
  10. Dr Keith de Blanger (2001): Shark faunas across the Permo-Triassic boundary (University of Bristol, 2001-6). Now an editor for Elsevier, based in Oxford.
  11. Dr Danny Elvidge (1998): Morphometrics of Middle Jurassic dinosaur footprints (University of Sheffield, 2000-5); now a Senior Scientist-Statistician at the Environment Agency.
  12. Dr Stefan Gabriel (2001): The phylogeny of a form-function complex: correlated evolution of dental morphology and diet in shrews (Queen Mary College, London, 2001-6); Teaching Fellow in Anatomy, University of Manchester (2008-). Contact.
  13. Dr Andrew Gillis (2005): Developmental and genetic basis of fin/limb evolution (University of Chicago, 2005-9); now Newton Research Fellow, sudying evolution of the vertebrate pharyngeal skeleton, at Cambridge, UK. Read Andrew's account of his experience studying for the MSc in Palaeobiology in Bristol,
  14. Dr Phil Hopley (1999): Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of South African hominin-bearing cave deposits (Liverpool University, 1999-2003); then postdoc in Bristol; now (2007-) postdoc on reconstructing ancient hominin environments at the new Environment Institute at University College, London. Now, Lecturer in Palaeoclimatology at Birkbeck College London. Contact.
  15. Dr Susan Hammond (2000): Progymnosperms and the origin of the seed (University of Cardiff, 2000-4).
  16. Dr Megan Harrison (1998): Marine invertebrate biology (CUNY, 2002-2008); postdoc at the American Museum of Natural History. Contact.
  17. Dr Tom Harvey (2004): Early zooplankton and the Cambrian explosion (University of Cambridge); Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.
  18. Dr Jennifer Hoyal-Cuthill (2006): Quantifying evolutionary convergence (University of Cambridge); Postdoctoral Research Associate, School of Information Technologies, University of Sydney, Australia. Contact.
  19. Dr Aaron Hunter (2000): Echinoderm palaeoecology in marginal marine settings (Birkbeck College, London, 2000-2004); postdoc on modern Pacific crinoids at University of Tokyo. Now, Lecturer in Malaysia. Contact.
  20. Dr Simon Jackson (1999): Jurassic dinosaur footprints from the Yorkshire coast (University of Sheffield, 1999-2005). Volunteeer at the Natural History Museum, London. Read about Simon's work on dinosaur tracks in Times Higher Education.
  21. Dr Sarah King (2008): Teaching Assistant, GEES, University of Birmingham. Read Sarah's fascinating account of Life as a Palaeontologist: How I learnt to stop worrying and love the fossils. Contact.
  22. Dr Stewart Knott (2000): Plankton extinctions (University of Bristol): project/ change management, Avon & Somerset Constabulary. Contact.
  23. Dr Tai Kubo (2004): Evolution of vertebrate locomotion (University of Tokyo). Then, postdoc at Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, Drumheller, Alberta, and now Curator at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Japan. Contact.
  24. Dr Abigail Lane (1999): The Palaeozoic plateau: real or artefact? (University of Bristol, 2000-2002); now working for the Environment Agency. Contact.
  25. Dr Graeme Lloyd (2003): Character acquisition through geological time (University of Bristol); now postdoc at the Natural History Museum. Contact.
  26. Luke Mander (2006): Vegetation dynamics across the Triassic/Jurassic boundary (University College Dublin); now postdoc at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Contact.
  27. Dr Jeremy Martin (2005): Revision of the gneus Diplocynodon (Crocodylia): phylogeny, origins and evolution in a palaeoclimatic context (Université de Lyon, France); now temporary lecturer at Université de Corse, Corsica.
  28. Dr Alistair McGowan (1998): Palaeobiology of Triassic ammonoids (University of Chicago, 1998-2002); postdoc. on dinosaur biogeography, University College, London (NERC), then Postdoc fellowship at the Humboldt Museum, Berlin; now Royal Society of Edinburgh Research Fellow at University of Glasgow.
  29. Dr Lance Morrissey (2001): Integrating trace fossils, sedimentology and trace element geochemistry as correlative tools in Old Red Sandstone reservoir rocks (University of the West of England, Bristol). Now a geology instructor for GAP Adventures, leading tours in the Antarctic, Falkland Islands and South America. Contact.
  30. Dr Lucy Muir (1999): Graptolite functional morphology and strategies of recovery from near-extinctions (University of Edinburgh, 2000-2003); various posts at NHM and elsewhere; now postdoc at Nanjing Institute of Geology & Paleontology. Contact.
  31. Dr Liz Nunn (2003): High-latitude Jurassic and Cretaceous climates (University of Plymouth, 2003-7); postdoc, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. Contact.
  32. Dr Abby Othman Wilson (2007): High-resolution record of environmental change in lacustrine sequences (University of Aberdeen); now professional photographer and geologist, Aberdeenshire. Contact
  33. Xavier Panades i Blas (2001): Testing the robustness of the camoebians for quantitative limnological reconstruction, University of Leeds (NERC Postdoc). Contact.
  34. Dr Jessica Pollitt (2002): The phylogeny and evolution of Trilobita (University of Bath, 2002-5); now Editor at the Geological Society of London Publishing House, Bath. Contact.
  35. Dr Nathan Price-Lloyd (2002): What makes biological clocks tick? (University of Manchester). Now a medical writer. Read about Nathan's MSc project work here.
  36. Dr Laura Säilä (2002): The phylogeny of procolophonids (University of Bristol, 2008); now Postdoc., Department of Geology, University of Helsinki (Academy of Finland). See a profile of Laura and her PhD work here.
  37. Dr Manabu Sakamoto (2004): Biomechanics of feeding in theropod dinosaurs (University of Bristol). Now Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol.
  38. Dr Emma Schachner (2005): Comparative anatomy and evolution of maniraptoran theropods (University of Pennsylvania). Read Emma's account of her experience studying for the MSc in Palaeobiology in Bristol, and see her art here. Contact.
  39. Dr James Tarver: Evolution of miRNAs using plant, actinopterygian and eutherian datasets; the evolution of miRNA expression patterns within eyes: Bioinformatics Centre, Maynooth University, Ireland (IRCSET Empower Fellowship). Contact.
  40. Dr Gavin Thomas (2001): Sexual selection, ecology and breeding systems of shorebirds (University of Bath, 2001-5); then postdoc at Imperial on bird conservation and distribution; now NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Bristol. Contact.
  41. Dr David Waterhouse (2002): The evolutionary history of parrots (University College, Dublin, Ireland, PhD 2006). Now Assistant Curator of Natural History, Castle Museum, Norwich. See Dave's artwork here. Contact.
  42. Dr James Wheeley (2002): Taphonomy and sedimentology of Ordovician platform carbonates of the Baltic region (University of Cardiff); now Postoctoral Teaching Assistant, University of Birmingham. See also James' MSc database here. Contact.
Media, Museums and Education
  1. Kate Anderson (2002): Environmental Officer, Kirkconnel Parish Heritage Society/ Scottish Natural Heritage. Contact.
  2. Jacqueline Barber (2004): Primary school teacher, Fife. Contact.
  3. Amirah Barri (2007): Researcher, Burning Gold Productions. Contact.
  4. Emma Bernard (2006): Curatorial Assistant, Natural History Museum, London. Contact.
  5. Massimo Bernardi (2009): Curatorial assistant, Trento Natural History Museum, Italy. Contact
  6. Suzanne Bowie (1999): PGCE Teacher Training, Bath; now teaching in Salisbury. Contact.
  7. Margaret Browne (1999): Issue Manager, Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd; now, PhD on Quaternary palynology, University of Limerick Contact.
  8. Mark Buckingham (2003): Teacher, Surrey (after PGCE at Sheffield Hallam University). Contact.
  9. Colette Cherry (2002): Policy Adviser to the Vice Chancellor, University of Bournemouth. Contact. Read about Colette's role as a university policy adviser in Times Higher Education and in the University of Bournemouth Newsletter..
  10. Simon Clabby (2003): Consultant, Qube Software (Dinosaur Software). Contact.
  11. Sophie Edwards (2012): Teacher training (PGCE).
  12. Craig-Marcus Ellis (2002): Archaeological Assistant (Landscape Characterisation), North East Lincolnshire Council. Contact.
  13. Kate France (2001): Warden, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Dorset. Contact .
  14. Isla Gladstone (2006): Curator of Natural Sciences, Yorkshire Museum, York. Contact.
  15. Matthew Gordon (2000): TV researcher, John Downer Productions, Bristol. Contact.
  16. Carlos Grau (2005): Presenter, Explorer Dome, Bristol.
  17. Jonathan Gregson (2000): Assistant Scientific Officer, South-East Asia Team, Kew.
  18. Phil Hadland (2006): Assistant Collections Manager, Museum of Canterbury.
  19. Gillian Harrison (1999): Further Education resources manager, Leeds.
  20. Sally Haseman (2003): PA to Sir Richard Gregory. Contact.
  21. Deborah Hutchinson (2005): PGCE Training, Bath. Contact.
  22. Rachel Jennings (2007): Curatorial Assistant, Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow.
  23. Matt Larvan (2008): Gallery enabler, Thinktank, Birmingham. Contact.
  24. Becky Laver (2000): PGCE Teacher Training, Bath.
  25. Suzanne Lee (2002): PGCE Teacher Training, Nottingham. Contact .
  26. Charlotte Mabey (2000): Researcher, BBC Natural History Unit, Bristol. Contact
  27. Myles McLeod (1999): Animation, print and internet design, Spark and Zoom Productions. Contact.
  28. Caroline Milner (2001): @t-Bristol (2001-2); Bristol Dinosaur Education officer (2002-3); Education Officer, Thinktank, Birmingham (2003-). Contact.
  29. Louisa New (2000): Conservation and cataloguing assistant, Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery. Contact.
  30. Alan O'Connor (2007): Documentation assistant in the National Museum of Ireland, Natural History Division. Contact.
  31. Steve O'Connor (2001): TEFL, English Language School, Milan. Contact.
  32. Natasja den Ouden (2005): Research Associate, Naturalis, Leiden. Contact.
  33. Claire Pepper (2002): PGCE Teacher Training, Institute of Education, London.
  34. Sheila Phillips (2003): PGCE Teacher Training, Exeter. Contact.
  35. Stephen Rawlinson (2000): PGCE Teacher Training, Bath.
  36. Jane Retter (2000): Field officer, Lochranza Field Station, Arran.
  37. Matt Riley (2004): Documentation Assistant - Natural History, Horniman Museum.
  38. Hector Rivera (2003): Palaeontology Coordinator, UNAM and Museo del Desierto, Mexico.
  39. Chris Rollason (2007): PGCE, Worcester.
  40. Jonathan Ruffle (2003): Museums assistant, Commonwealth Museum, Bristol.
  41. Snorri Sigurdsson (2005): Biology teacher, Reykjavik, Iceland. Contact.
  42. Rebecca Smith (2001): Curatorial Assistant - Natural Sciences, Manchester Museum. Contact.
  43. Dr Adam Stuart Smith (2003): PhD, University College, Dublin; 2004-7; Collections Access Officer (Natural History), Wollaton Hall Museum, Nottingham. See Adam's plesiosaur website . Contact.
  44. Emmajane Trickett (1998): Community Liaison Officer, RSPB Fairburn Ings, West Yorkshire. Contact .
  45. Vicky White (1999): Animal Science and Welfare Lecturer, Otley College, Ipswich. Contact.
  46. Matt Williams (2003): Geological curator, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution.
  47. Jane Worrall (2002): Director, North-east Yorkshire Geology Trust.
Commercial and other
  1. Leila Blankley (1999): PA, National Heritage Memorial Fund. Contact.
  2. Joseph Bonsor (2010): Junior consultant, Venture Information Management.
  3. Byron Blessed (1998): Commercial rock and fossil shop in Whitby, Yorkshire. Contact.
  4. Hannah Caine (2009): micropalaeontologist, RPS Energy, Aberdeen. Contact. See Hannah's gallery of amazing palaeontological artworks here.
  5. Una Cassidy (2003): Hydrogeologist, Atkins. Contact.
  6. Adele Dodgson (2003): Environmental technician, BAM Nuttall Ltd.; Chair, Greater Manchester RIGS group.
  7. Toby Fountaine (2003): Solicitor, Fisher Meredith, Richmond. Contact.
  8. Kieran Hardman (2007): Demand Manager, Johnson & Johnson. Contact.
  9. Zena Kain (2000): Personnel management, Hays Montrose Personnel.
  10. Brian Leigh (1999): Hydrologist, Environment Agency, Leeds.
  11. Nicholas Loughlin (2007): Geo-environmental consultancy, Vertasefli, Bristol.
  12. David Marshall (2008): Micropalaeontologist, Ichron Ltd. Contact.
  13. James Renshaw (2002): Exploration Geoscientist, Shell International Exploration & Production, Rijswijk, Netherlands. Contact.
  14. Polly Snowden (2000): Trainee forensic scientist, Forensic Science Service.
  15. Kate Yarrington (2003): International Relationship Manager, Technology Strategy Board. Contact.
Past students: if your details are wrong, or you have been missed off the lists, please contact Mike Benton. Also, give me a web link and e-mail contact if you want.


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