Fieldwork Challenges and Global Perspectives: Diversity, Equity, Access, Inclusion (DEAI) and Decolonization in Paleontology

Diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and decolonization permeate both museum and field experiences in paleontology. Presenters will discuss the unique challenges of developing DEAI practices in museums, different perspectives and field experiences from around the globe, and “teachable moments.” Field experiences worldwide have unique access challenges and special experimental techniques developed for different regions, whether in physically removing specimens from the ground or supporting and collaborating with local communities. Museum experiences may highlight the development of anti-hate speech policies, how diversity is being increased among staff, and how paleontology can respect and incorporate indigenous ways of knowing. 

Presentations will be 20 minutes followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. The symposium will be a hybrid event hosted on Zoom.

Virtual and in-person speakers include:

• Polly Olsen, Burke Museum
• Aaron McCanna, Burke Museum
• Christian Sidor, Burke Museum
• Danielle Serratos, Fundy Geological Museum
• David Krause, Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• Marilyn Fox, Yale Peabody Museum
• Hillary McLean, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
• Xiaoming Wang, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
• Sanaa El-Sayed, Mansoura University Vertebrate Paleontology Center
• Christopher Griffin, Yale University