Independent Research

High Plains Paleontology is currently undertaking several research projects that deal in fossil specimens of particular interest to our team. Each project carries the expectation that our work will be submitted for peer review to the appropriate journal(s). It is our goal to deliver science that is held to the highest possible standards and make our research accessible to the general public via the proper channels. 

Independent research is a critical objective for High Plains Paleontology as it is a vehicle for us to contribute to the field of paleontology, educate the public and add to the ever growing wealth of knowledge being revealed about the ancient world.  

Projects: 2025-2026

-Pathologic Ankylosaur Vertebrae: A Cretaceous Crime Scene

In the Spring of 2025 the team at High Plains Paleontology began investigating a suspicious fossil vertebrae with dramatic pathology. Using state of the art micro-CT technology and Open Source 3D software, we hope to bring this story to its conclusion. 

-Pathologic Pachycephalosaur Dome

The High Plains Team finds itself on another pathology case, working to find the perpetrator who has bitten a pachycephalosaur on the head...

-Baby Lizard or New Species from the White River?

High Plains Paleontology investigates a small lizard using Micro-CT to describe semi-articulated bone and determine the ontogenetic nature of this small creature...to be continued. 

-Potential Osteomyolitis in the mandible of Merycoidodon culbertsoni: An Ancient Case Of Lumpy Jaw (Actinomyces bovis)?

Can MicroCT technology assist in determining a causative agent in a paleopathologic agent? 

-Using CT technology for reconstruction and diagnosis of exploded Oligocene rodent material encased in matrix

The High Plains team seeks to reconstruct disarticulated elements of an Oligocene rodent to better determine genus and species....