Prince Undergraduate Internship - Digitizing plant fossils
About The Position
The Field Museum is seeking an undergraduate intern to digitize plant fossils from Mazon Creek, Illinois. These fossils, dating back to the Pennsylvanian Subperiod (310 million years ago), preserve detailed flora and fauna from a time when Illinois was near the equator and a forest thrived along the ancient coastline. Recent research using advanced techniques has revealed unprecedented internal anatomy, surface features, and architecture of these fossils. X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) is a key technology used to create 3D visualizations of specimens, exposing internal anatomy and enhancing our understanding of plant structure, function, and potential floral diversity. The intern will utilize Avizo software to process CT scan data and generate 3D models of fossil plant specimens, including seeds and cones, from the Field Museum's collection. These models will be instrumental in interpreting plant morphology and ecology. Additionally, the intern will be responsible for cataloging specimens in the EMu collection database, photographing specimens, processing these photographs, and learning proper curation techniques for both physical fossils and their associated digital data.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree.
- Familiarity with CT scan data processing.
- Experience with Avizo software (preferred, but training will be provided).
- Basic understanding of paleobotany or fossil curation.
- Ability to catalog specimens in a database.
- Skills in photography and image processing.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Avizo software.
- Prior experience with paleobotany or fossil curation.
- Knowledge of plant morphology and ecology.
Responsibilities
- Process CT scan data using Avizo software to create 3D models of fossil plant specimens.
- Interpret the morphology and ecology of plants based on the 3D models.
- Catalog specimens in the collection database (EMu).
- Photograph specimens.
- Process photographs.
- Learn proper curation techniques for physical fossils and digital data.
Benefits
- Salary of $17.75 per hour.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
