On August 28, the Virginia Tech Paleobiology Research Group hosted their highly anticipated annual Fossil Unwrapping Party. Held at the Museum of Geosciences, this community event invited the public to experience the excitement of uncovering ancient fossils collected by GCC faculty affiliates Dr. Sterling Nesbitt and Dr. Michelle Stocker in Texas and Arizona

The Fossil Unwrapping Party provided a unique opportunity for attendees to interact directly with the materials that paleobiologists study. Dr. Nesbitt, known for his work on early reptiles, and Dr. Stocker, who specializes in Triassic fossils, guided participants through the process of unwrapping and examining specimens. 

The evening began with a presentation in Hahn 140 before transitioning to fossil unwrapping activities in the Museum of Geosciences and classrooms in Derring Hall.

Collage of images from fossil unwrapping event
Attendees work with faculty members and students to identify various parts of ancient skeletons, including ribs, limb bones, and skull fragments.

The fossils featured in this year's event were primarily from the late Triassic period, dating back approximately 230 to 200 million years. Attendees worked with either faculty members or students to identify various parts of ancient skeletons, including ribs, limb bones, and skull fragments. Dr. Stocker emphasized the significance of these fossils, saying, "We're looking at early dinosaur ancestors and understanding the early days of these fascinating creatures. Every specimen adds a piece to the puzzle of life's history."

Dr. Nesbitt expressed his hope that the event would inspire participants, noting, "My biggest hope is to see people interact with scientists and experience those 'aha' moments when they uncover a specimen. This process is completely accessible and will continue to be a highlight of our outreach efforts."

Dr. Stocker also highlighted the importance of museum collections, stating, "Museum collections are crucial for preserving the stories of fossils and enhancing our understanding of Earth's history. Each fossil adds valuable data to our knowledge of life on Earth."

Collage of images from fossil unwrapping event
Attendees used a variety of tools to identify parts of ancient skeletons, including ribs, limb bones, and skull fragments.

The Fossil Unwrapping Party was supported by the David B. Jones Foundation and an NSF CAREER grant. Undergraduate students involved in the projects also played a key role in the event, assisting with the fossil unwrapping and providing insights into the research process.

"We do this community event every year because it's a chance for people who don't usually get to go into the field to engage with fossils," Dr. Nesbitt explained. "We bring the experience to them, allowing them to have that magical moment of being among the first to see a newly uncovered fossil."

Watch the full video and interview from Virginia Tech News.