Paul Sereno sees paleontology as "adventure with a purpose." How else, after all, to describe a science that "allows you to romp in remote corners of the globe, resurrecting gargantuan creatures that have never been seen?" His travels in the search for the bones of ancient reptiles and birds have taken him through India, Argentina, Mongolia and, most fruitfully, the 125-degrees-Farenheit Saraha Desert, where he uncovered the giant skeletons of several 30-plus-foot meat-eaters and a few yet-larger prehistoric vegetarians.
Sereno is also president and co-founder of Project Exploration, an organization which aims to bring the wonders of science professions to the public -- especially minority youth and girls. He teaches at the University of Chicago and is one of National Geographic's Explorers-in-Residence.
“The door to the lecture room at the university swings open and Dr. Sereno -- in jeans, a West African charm necklace and one turquoise earring -- strides to the front, grinning broadly at his adulatory audience. Jaws fall open, revealing braces on teeth, and a few hands shoot up with burning questions ...” — Brenda Fowler, New York Times
National Geographic shares stories that inspire people to care for our world, and TED leverages the power of ideas to change the world. It could be said that we share some common ground. Unsurprisingly, almost half of the National Geographic Explorers, as well as a few members of their staff, have given TEDTalks. Below the […]
Continue readingStrange landscapes, scorching heat and (sometimes) mad crocodiles await scientists seeking clues to evolution’s genius. Paleontologist Paul Sereno talks about his surprising encounters with prehistory — and a new way to help students join the adventure. (Recorded February 2005 in Monterey, California. Duration: 21:46.) Watch Paul Sereno’s talk on TED.com, where you can download […]
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