Geobiology
Geobiology at Indiana University is a fascinating program with opportunities to satisfy diverse research interests. The Geobiology group at IU strives for excellence in research by integrating paleontology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geochemistry to interpret the history of the Earth, especially its biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Within this framework faculty and students use many resources to reveal the mysteries of fossils and the world of yesterday.
photo copyright 2009, Jason Head
The Department of Geological Sciences at Indiana University has a solid foundation in Geobiology. Admired professionals of the past have contributed greatly to the program. A rich history of over 125 years of collections provides a substantive learning environment for any aspiring geobiologist. Research projects of the Geobiology group have included work on calcareous algae, thrombolites, sponges, achaeocyathids, bryzoans, brachiopods, crinoids, chitons, corals, blastoids, bivalves, cephalopods, ostracods, conodonts, trace fossils, ceratopsian dinosaurs, dinosaur-bird transitional fauna, mammals, and vertebrate footprints.
The present research emphasis is directed toward the study of evolution, evolutionary paleontology, phylogenetic inference, functional morphology, paleoecology, paleoclimates and paleooceanography, depositional reconstructions, fossil reefs, taphonomy, biostratigraphy and biogeography. Specific research in progress by graduate students and faculty includes coral species extinction with relation to the K-T boundary, paleoecology of Cretaceous fauna, taphonomy of chitons, reef ecosystem evolution and the relation of reefs to tropical paleoclimatology and paleoceanography, gastropod systematics and phylogenetics of the family Streptacididae, and Pennsylvanian trace fossils of Indiana to reconstruct paleoecology of the Pennsylvanian.
The facilities within the department provide great opportunity for excellence in research. The Geobiology section houses one of the largest and most complete paleontology teaching collections available in the U.S. , and we are the repository for an active, curated research collection (Access the Collection Database). Students and researchers have access to binocular and S.E.M. microscopes, digital cameras, computers, biogeochemical equipment , and x-ray diffraction facilities. Along with physical access to facilities, the Geobiology group is fortunate to have a wonderful support staff for help in areas such as technology, funding, photography, travel, and much more.
In the tradition of interdisciplinary science, the Geobiology group is also involved in research with collegues from other schools. Currently, the Bioinformatics division of the School of Informatics and the Geobiology group are collaborating on a collections database. This cutting-edge technology is sure to revolutionize the world of paleontology collections management and informatics.
Students who are interested in geobiology research may apply for M.S. and Ph.D. programs. Graduate student opportunities may be available in research projects that provide student fee remission and research assistantships.
