Patrick Wyse Jackson
Dr Patrick Wyse Jackson - Ask A Palaeontologist
This month we chat to Patrick Wyse Jackson, Associate Professor of Geology and Curator of the Geological Museum at Trinity College Dublin.
- Name: Patrick Wyse Jackson
- Job: Associate Professor of Geology and Curator of the Geological Museum
- Location: Trinity College Dublin
What inspired you to become a scientist?
As a child I was quite methodical and enjoyed collecting and organising things. Once I went to school and started to study biology and geography I found myself being drawn to the outdoors and the sense of wanting to learn more about where I lived.
What inspired you to become a palaeontologist?
I really enjoyed studying biology and geology at school and being a palaeontologist allowed me to combine both interlinked subjects. I was very fortunate to have had two wonderful palaeontological mentors at Trinity – Charles Holland and George Sevastopulo both of whom encouraged my research.
Describe your work/job
My job can be divided into unequal sections. Much of my time at the moment is spent on administration. However I also teach palaeontology and history of geology modules; lead student field trips; carry out research and write on fossil bryozoans, the history of geology and on the use of stone in Ireland; and work on tasks in the Geological Museum.
What’s the best part of your job?
Variety is what I find most rewarding. In particular, I love thinking about the preserved morphologies of fossils and formulating ideas as to how they lived many millions of years ago. Nothing really tops explaining how fossils lived to a group of children or members of the general public. Being provided time to carry out research and delve into interesting questions is wonderful.
What other jobs have you done?
My first job was as Curator of the Geological Museum at Trinity but in time I took on an additional lecturing role and am currently an Associate Professor of Geology. Aside to my work as a palaeontologist and geologist I am the incumbent Head of the School of Natural Sciences which is largely an administrative position.
What were your favourite subjects at school?
Biology, Geography and History and then for the final two years in secondary school Geology.
Where did you study geoscience/palaeontology?
Trinity College Dublin – but I continue to learn through meeting up with like-minded colleagues at conferences and field trips.
What hobbies do you have outside of palaeontology?
Coin collecting (especially US coins), writing, travelling, minding cats.
What is your favourite fossil?
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What’s your favourite place that you have travelled to study palaeontology?
In Ireland, I have always loved Hook Head in Co. Wexford and studying the diverse bryozoans found preserved on bedding planes – it is a great place to crawl around getting close to the fossils with a hand-lens! Abroad I have enjoyed visits to Estonia and in particular localities in the USA (Ohio, Alabama and Virginia) in seach of fossil bryozoans.
Why is it important for us to study palaeontology?
Palaeontology provides scientists with a window into the geological past and its environments. It allows for the modelling of past climates and today this is of particular relevance.
What advice would you give to somebody interested in becoming a palaeontologist?
First feed your curiosity and read everything to can get in the subject. Learn how to collect and curate any fossils that you bring home: it is important to keep good documentation on your collections. Talk to other palaeontologists and try to get involved in projects at your local museum. Attend a geological programme where some courses involve palaeontology but get an overall education in geology.
Patrick Online
- https://www.tcd.ie/Geology/people/wysjcknp/
- Read more about the Geological Museum at Trinity College Dublin on their website https://trinitygeologicalmuseum.com/