Contact: Kelly Green | Research Communications | 405-744-5827 | kelly.green@okstate.edu


World-renowned dinosaur expert to speak at OSU

(Feb. 16, 2009 Stillwater, OK) – Dr. Philip J. Currie, Canada research chair at the University of Alberta and the former curator of dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology, will speak at Oklahoma State University on Feb. 18 at 7 pm in the Student Union Theater. 

Although dinosaurs have been popular with the public ever since they were first recognized scientifically almost two centuries ago, relatively few scientists have been actively involved in research on these animals.  Currie has conducted research on dinosaurs for more than 30 years and has performed fieldwork in Alberta, Argentina, British Columbia, China, Mongolia, the Arctic and the Antarctic.  His work has been featured in National Geographic and the New York Times and he has made appearances on NBC’s Today Show, PBS’s Nova, CBS’s dinosaur programs and The Discovery Channel.

In his presentation, “Hunting Dinosaurs from Pole to Pole,” Currie will discuss his hunt for fossils and the information they provide on how dinosaurs – the most successful large terrestrial animals during Mesozoic times – were able to survive for so long.  He will also explain why even fragmentary specimens from the Polar Regions can provide unparalleled information on the biology of dinosaurs. 

“Dr. Currie is a world-renowned expert in paleontology and we are delighted to welcome him to OSU,” said Dr. Stephen McKeever, vice president for research and technology transfer.  “I think students, faculty and the general public will enjoy hearing about his experiences and discoveries.” 

Currie is one of several speakers coming to OSU for Research Week, the university’s sixth annual event dedicated to the arts, humanities and sciences.  Currie will also present “Controversies in Dinosaur Studies – Fur, Feathers, Hot-Blood and Extinction,” at the OSU Research Symposium on Feb. 18 at 1 pm in the Student Union Case Study 1.  His presentations are free and open to the public, but seating is limited so attendees may wish to arrive early. 

For more information about Currie or Research Week, visit http://researchweek.okstate.edu.

Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant system that cuts across disciplines to better prepare students for a new world. Oklahoma’s only university with a statewide presence, OSU improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research and outreach.  OSU has more than 32,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 19,000 on its Stillwater campus; with students from all 50 states and about 110 nations.  Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 200,000 students who have made a lasting impact on Oklahoma and the world.  CREATE - INNOVATE - EDUCATE - GO STATE!