Lycoming College Receives $148,000 Grant for Fossil Research and Community Outreach

Strategic Insights -

As part of a collaborative project involving faculty members from multiple institutions, Lycoming College's David Broussard, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, has been awarded a $148,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to study the effects of early icehouse extremes on vertebrate paleogeobiology in the Late Devonian Appalachian Basin. This research aims to advance our understanding of ancient climate change and its impacts on vertebrate animals, while also promoting awareness of earth science and paleontology-related career paths through community outreach and educational events.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NSF grant of $148,000 will support Lycoming College's David Broussard, Ph.D., in studying the effects of early icehouse extremes on vertebrate paleogeobiology in the Late Devonian Appalachian Basin.
  • The research project will involve fieldwork and data analysis from rock and fossil samples, and will provide opportunities for six Lycoming students to gain experience in fieldwork and research over the three-year grant life.
  • The project will also enable community outreach and educational events, including fossil digs and programming in local schools, to promote awareness of earth science and paleontology-related career paths.
  • A new fossil display at Clyde Peeling's Reptiland will be created to highlight Devonian fossils found in northern and central Pennsylvania, featuring interactive features to bring the Devonian period to life for visitors.
  • Broussard's area of expertise lies within vertebrate paleontology, paleoecology, and natural history, and his research team will collect and analyze data in the field and lab from rock and fossil samples.
  • The grant will support two internships each summer for Lycoming students beginning in 2026, providing critical experience in fieldwork and research that is essential for graduate programs and related employment.

Statistics:

  • The NSF awarded a $148,000 grant to Lycoming College's David Broussard, Ph.D.
  • The grant will support research and community outreach efforts over a period of three years.
  • Six Lycoming students will gain experience in fieldwork and research as part of the project.
  • The project will involve the creation of a new fossil display at Clyde Peeling's Reptiland, which attracts 65,000 annual visitors.
  • The display will feature interactive features and will highlight Devonian fossils found in northern and central Pennsylvania.

Sources:

  • NSF (no date) - National Science Foundation award to Lycoming College's David Broussard, Ph.D.
  • Lycoming College (no date) - Lycoming College Biology Department
  • Clyde Peeling's Reptiland (no date) - Reptiland's website
  • Broussard, D. (no date) - Personal communication with David Broussard, Ph.D.