Earth - Research Specialties

Our Earth sub-theme integrates our planet's geological and prehistoric past and the cataclysmic processes that shaped the earth. Our internationally-recognised staff has diverse expertise in vertebrate and invertebrate palaeontology, biostratigraphy, tectonics, as well as sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic geology.

Research Interests: Geology and Earth Sciences

Our People


Phil BellDr Phil Bell

  • Mesozoic vertebrates, particularly dinosaurs Cretaceous vertebrate palaeoecology of western Canada and Australia Palaeobiology, especially related to skin impressions, palaeopathology and feeding behaviour of dinosaurs
  • dinosaur footprints

Luke MilanDr Luke Milan

  • structural & metamorphic geology
  • cordilleran arcs
  • geodynamics
  • tectonics
  • geochrolology
  • geochemistry
  • ore deposits and minerals exploration
  • marine geology

John PatersonProfessor John Paterson

  • palaeontology
  • palaeobiology, palaeoecology and palaeobiogeography
  • biostratigraphy
  • taphonomy, including exceptional fossil preservation (e.g., Konservat-Lagerstätten)
  • the Cambrian 'explosion' event
  • taxonomy and phylogeny of Cambrian animals
  • early Palaeozoic fossil arthropods, especially Cambrian trilobites and their kin
  • early Cambrian Emu Bay Shale Biota of Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Nancy VickeryDr Nancy Vickery

  • earth sciences