Bridging deep-time research with hands-on science communication, exploring prehistoric worlds and helping modern audiences engage with their stories.

I am a palaeontologist and science communicator with deep expertise in Mesozoic ecosystems, fossil excavation, and outreach strategy. My work bridges research, media consultancy, and dynamic public engagement through UK platforms with global reach.

Consultancy Services

Palaeontology Consultant (2022-Present)

Consultancy Offered:

  • I support documentaries, books, podcasts, games, & YouTube with evidence-based palaeontology consultancy. Also known as a dinosaur consultant.
  • I help bring prehistoric worlds to life through science.

Education

MSc Palaeobiology, University of Bristol (2019–2022)

Honorary Research Associate, University of Bristol (2018–2019)

BA (Hons) Geography, Plymouth University (2012–2016)

Publications

Ronan, J., Duffin, C.J., Hildebrandt, C., Parker, A., Hutchinson, D., Copp C., and Benton, M.J. 2020. Beginning of Mesozoic marine overstep of the Mendips: The Rhaetian and its fauna at Hapsford Bridge, Vallis Vale, Somerset, UK. Proceedings of the Geologist’s Association. 131, 578-594 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pgeola.2020.02.005

Newsletter & Science Communication

Creator & Editor – The Palaeo Minute (July 2025-Present)

  • Launched & curated a mid-monthly palaeontology newsletter.
  • Blend original field insights, fossil research dispatches, & industry experience.
  • Accessible via the website, with exclusive bonus content on Patreon.
  • Reaches a global audience of palaeoscience enthusiasts.

Designed to bring palaeontology to life through:

  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes fossil commentary.
  • Scientific storytelling & public outreach.

Fieldwork & Excavation

Badlands Dinosaur Museum | Field Crew Member (June 2024)

  • Uncovered key fossils at two Lambeosaurus fossil sites, contributing to research on Judith River palaeoenvironment.
  • Identified a diverse range of fossils, including tyrannosaurid teeth, hadrosaur tendon, vertebrae, & crocodile teeth.
  • Conducted plaster jacketing to preserve turtle shell specimen for further study.

Dinosaur Isle Museum | Dig Team Member (June 2022)

  • Uncovered key Early Cretaceous fossils from the Wessex Formation, aiding in museum collection & palaeoenvironmental research.

At The Feet of the Dinosaurs Internship Project | Dig Team Member (Oct 2018)

  • Logged Rhaetian rock layers & collected fossil samples for analysis at University of Bristol labs, contributing to published research.
  • Identified & catalogued microvertebrate fossils for published research.

Palaeontology Outreach

Jurassic Coast Trust Ambassador (2024–2025)

Science Week Speaker | The Pines School (Oct 2024)

  • Delivered an interactive Zoom talk on fossil identification & research, engaging young students in science education.

Gallery Steward | Dorset Museum (July 2023–Jan 2025)

  • Communicated palaeontological exhibits to visitors, enhancing public engagement in local heritage.

Fossil Walk Guide | Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (July 2023–Aug 2024)

  • Co-led educational fossil identification walks, helping families discover & understand Jurassic Coast fossils.

Fossil Festival Volunteer | Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (April 2023)

  • Led engaging fossil polishing activities for children & families, providing hands-on learning experiences.
  • Shared palaeontology expertise with visitors, enhancing public understanding of Jurassic Coast geology.

Palaeontology Interview | Dinosaur Action Magazine (Published November 2022)

  • Collaborated with Signature Publishing (Kennedy Publishing) to provide an educational palaeontology interview.
  • Featured in the UK’s number one children’s dinosaur magazine, offering insights into prehistoric life & scientific discoveries.

Dinosaur Isle Volunteer | Dinosaur Isle Museum (August 2019)

  • Assisted with museum palaeontology outreach & led public fossil hunts at Yaverland and Brook Chine/Compton Bay.
  • Co-led paleoenvironmental discussions alongside geologist Steve Radforth, engaging visitors in fossil site interpretation.

Bristol Dinosaur Project Volunteer | The Bristol Dinosaur Project (2018–2020)

  • Conducted palaeontology workshops for children at Bristol Museum’s Dinosaur Takeover & primary schools.
  • Led interactive sessions on dinosaur evolution, including specialized fossil workshops for Year 3 students at Learning Bridge Campus Primary (Jan 2020).
  • Facilitated a hands-on fossil exploration workshop at Whitehall Primary School (Feb 2019) focused on Spinosaurus aegyptiacus & African fossil discoveries.

Exhibition Volunteer | Bristol Museum & Art Gallery (2017–2018)

  • Supported the Pliosaurus! Exhibition, engaging visitors in discussions about Pliosaurus carpenteri, its anatomy, behaviour, & palaeoenvironment.
  • Provided volunteer support for Bristol Rocks! geology activity day, presenting the Pliosaurus carpenteri skull & collaborating with The Bristol Dinosaur Project.
  • Assisted in geology tours of museum collections led by Isla Gladstone, Senior Curator of Natural Sciences.

Research Experience

MSc Thesis | University of Bristol (2019–2022)

How did hadrosaurs use their amazing dentitions to cement such a successful radiation in the Late Cretaceous? Supervised by Prof. Mike Benton, Prof. Emily Rayfield, & Dr. James Logan King.

Research Intern | At the Feet of the Dinosaurs (2018–2021)

  • Conducted identification & cataloguing of Rhaetian microfauna fossils at Vallis Vale, contributing to published research (1,740 specimens).
  • Contributed key fossil findings to palaeontological studies at the University of Bristol, expanding knowledge of Triassic faunal diversity.

Presentations

Palaeobiology Research Group | University of Bristol

  • Hadrosaur Jaw Function & Evolution (July 2021) – 8-minute presentation with Q&A, detailing advanced research findings on hadrosaur feeding mechanics.
  • Pilot Study: Hadrosaur Jaw Mechanics (April 2020) – 15-minute presentation on BlueJeans, delivered to the Palaeobiology Macroevolution Group.
  • Early Evolution of Jawed Vertebrates (Placoderms) (Oct 2019) – Presented to the Current Controversies Group, discussing evolutionary adaptations in prehistoric fish.

Public Engagement & Conferences

  • Mendip Rocks! Somerset Earth Science Centre (Oct 2019) – Delivered research insights on the fossil fauna of Vallis Vale in a lecture alongside Prof. Mike Benton & Jack Lovegrove (audience of 70).
  • Palaeobiology Poster Presentation (Nov 2019) – Illustrated the diversity of duck-billed dinosaurs, showcasing evolutionary adaptations to palaeontological researchers.

Memberships & Certifications

Professional Memberships

  • Palaeontological Association (Member, 2018–2024)
  • Guild of Taxidermists (Member, 2020–2022)

Certifications & Courses

Coursera, University of Alberta (2017–2018)

  • Dino 101: Dinosaur Palaeobiology (Distinction)
  • Theropod Dinosaurs & The Origin of Birds (Distinction)
  • Ancient Marine Reptiles (Distinction)
  • Early Vertebrate Evolution (Distinction)

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