Annie Alexander went on several paleontological expeditions in the early 1900’s. These trips highlight the difficulties that women face in the field. I use her story as a backdrop to discuss discrimination in the field today and how in many ways it has not improved since Alexander’s 1905 “Saurian Expedition.”
Annie Alexander loved paleontology and the outdoors. She used her financial acumen to support the paleo program at UC-Berkeley. She is important as one of the earliest American LGBTQIA paleontologists. She loved adventure and exploring the world with her close companion Louise Kellogg.
A dinosaur named Sue shows the complicated history of diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness in paleontology. Sue was discovered by a woman on Native American land, and her story involves court cases, an FBI raid, and a multimillion dollar auction. Importantly, Sue’s story illustrates the complicated intersection of geosciences and Native American rights.
Mary Ann Martell may have discovered Iguanodon, but all the credit was given to her husband. She was an amazing paleontologist and illustrator, and this week I briefly discuss her amazing discovery.
Anningiae: how gender bias and myth making obscure who the real Mary Anning was. The Anning we celebrate today is based on sexist and classist biases meant to belittle her true scientific accomplishments. Anning was not a simple country woman selling sea shells by the sea shore.
Mary Anning owed her aptitude as a paleontologist to her friends and colleagues. The sexist beliefs of some of these allies also prevented her from reaching her full potential. This week, I look into how Mary’s relationships shaped her and inform us on her real personality.
Mary Anning was one of the most important paleontologists in history. In part 1 of this series we look at her contributions to paleontology.
Bias in the Fossil Record 