Bridging Deep-Time Research with Hands-On Science Communication, Exploring Prehistoric Worlds and Helping Modern Audiences Engage with Their Stories

Master’s‑qualified palaeontologist and science consultant specialising in Mesozoic life and ecosystems, including dinosaur species, anatomy, behaviour, and palaeoenvironments. Nine years of experience supporting research, public engagement, and scientifically grounded palaeo storytelling. I specialise in helping creative teams bring prehistoric worlds to life with accurate anatomy, coherent ecosystems, and clear narrative intent across broadcast, publishing, digital media, museums, and themed attractions.

Specialisms: Accurate dinosaur anatomy • Ecosystem reconstruction • Narrative palaeo storytelling • Creative‑industry consultancy

Consultancy Services

Palaeontology Consultant – Discover Lost Worlds (2022-Present)

I provide palaeontology consultancy for books, TV, games, magazines, digital media, museum exhibitions, theme‑park attractions, animatronic experiences, and immersive environments. My consultancy work translates complex palaeontological research into accessible, engaging, and scientifically credible creative outputs. I have collaborated with organisations including Lion TV, The Jurassic Coast Trust, Kennedy Publishing, and the University of Bristol.

What I Deliver

  • I support books, documentaries, video games, magazines, podcasts, digital media, and accurate dinosaur models/animatronics with evidence-based palaeontology consultancy.
  • As a dinosaur consultant I provide scientifically grounded guidance for scripts, models, animations, exhibits, and educational content.

As the creator of the Dinosaur Accuracy Audit™, the first structured scientific‑accuracy assessment for dinosaur exhibitions and animatronics, I provide evidence‑based evaluation and guidance that strengthens realism, improves guest immersion, and helps prevent costly redesigns.

Dinosaur Accuracy Audit™

Creator – Dinosaur Accuracy Audit (2026)

Developed the first structured scientific‑accuracy assessment for dinosaur attractions, animatronics, exhibitions, and museum installations. The system evaluates species accuracy, environmental realism, guest‑experience clarity, and visual/narrative coherence, producing a weighted score and certification level (Gold, Silver, Bronze).

Audit Features:

  • Structured assessment of anatomical accuracy, posture, integument, and behavioural realism.
  • Evaluation of environmental context, exhibit clarity, and narrative cohesion.
  • Weighted scoring system with tiered certification (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
  • Supports museums, theme parks, exhibition designers, animatronic manufacturers, and creative teams.

Included within my palaeontology consultancy package:

  • Evidence‑based recommendations grounded in the fossil record and peer‑reviewed research.
  • Early identification of scientific inaccuracies to prevent costly redesigns.
  • Enhanced scientific credibility for public‑facing dinosaur exhibits and attractions.
  • Mitigates financial and reputational risk by catching scientific errors before they reach production or public display.
  • Improved visitor engagement through accurate, compelling, and scientifically informed storytelling.

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

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, and 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 and palaeoenvironmental research.

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

  • Logged Rhaetian rock layers and collected fossil samples for analysis at University of Bristol labs, contributing to published research.
  • Identified and 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 fossil‑identification session via Zoom, engaging students with hands‑on palaeontology and research insights.

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

  • Interpreted palaeontological exhibits for visitors, supporting public engagement with local geological heritage.

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

  • Co‑led educational fossil walks, helping families identify Jurassic Coast fossils and understand their palaeoenvironmental context.

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

  • Led fossil‑polishing activities and provided accessible palaeontology guidance for families and visitors.

Palaeontology Interview | Dinosaur Action Magazine (Published November 2022)

  • Collaborated with Kennedy Publishing (Signature Publishing) to provide an educational palaeontology interview.
  • Featured in the UK’s leading children’s dinosaur magazine, offering accessible insights into prehistoric life and current research.

Dinosaur Isle Volunteer | Dinosaur Isle Museum (August 2019)

  • Assisted with public fossil hunts at Yaverland, Brook Chine/Compton Bay and delivered informal palaeoenvironmental interpretation alongside museum staff.

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

  • Conducted palaeontology workshops for children at Bristol Museum’s Dinosaur Takeover and primary schools with focus on focus on Spinosaurus aegyptiacus & African fossils.

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

  • Supported the Pliosaurus! exhibition and Bristol Rocks! geology outreach events, engaging visitors with marine reptile palaeobiology and local fossil heritage.

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, and Dr. James Logan King.

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

  • Conducted identification and 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 and 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)