Wooster Geologists at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

CLEVELAND, OHIO–Yesterday the Wooster Geology Club, under the able direction of Dr. Meagen Pollock, visited the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for a behind-the-scenes geological (and, it turned out, biological) tour. The weather was fantastic for the drive north as we broke free from the snowy confines of campus.  We were met by Dr. David Saja, the CMNH mineralogy curator, and Dr. Joe Hannibal, the CMNH invertebrate paleontology curator.  The public galleries were crowded with families since it was “Scout Day”, so we were happy to be plucked from the long entrance line and taken to the quiet laboratories downstairs.  Dr. Saja and Dr. Hannibal spent hours with us showing the collections and equipment, and we came away with new ideas for collaborative research, student opportunities, and our own specimen displays. It was a delightful day.

Dr. Saja showing us the CMNH mineralogy collections and research facilities.

Dr. Saja showing us the CMNH mineralogy collections and research facilities.

Dr. Hannibal discussing a beautiful skeleton of a Devonian fish from the Cleveland Shale.

Dr. Hannibal discussing the beautiful skeleton of a Devonian fish from the Cleveland Shale.

Geology Club president Rob Lydell tests the reactions of a Devonian Dunkleosteus fish. They were very slow.

Geology Club president Rob Lydell tests the reaction speed of a Devonian Dunkleosteus fish. Very slow, it turns out.

The irrepressible Dr. Hannibal reveals a secret fossil reconstruction.  (Oh no -- now he must publish it!)

The irrepressible Dr. Hannibal reveals a secret fossil reconstruction. (Oh no -- now he must publish it!)

About Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson is a Professor of Geology at The College of Wooster. He specializes in invertebrate paleontology, carbonate sedimentology, and stratigraphy. He also is an expert on pseudoscience, especially creationism.
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1 Response to Wooster Geologists at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

  1. Mark Dulin says:

    I think I found a nickel iron meteorite its about 2 pounds. a magnet sticks to it although I can’t see a lot of surface rust on it anywhere. can anyone help me with the identification of this heavy metal object? 419-577-6945

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