About the Author: Jayson Kowinsky "The Fossilguy"
The Author with a film crew at the Calvert Cliffs
Jayson Kowinsky, known as "The Fossilguy," has been running Fossilguy.com since 2000.
I have a B.S. degree in Physics and a master's degree in Education, and I teach physics courses at a local high school. I love sharing my interest in paleontology through fossil hunting and strive to invoke curiosity about the wonderful world of fossils.
Although I am not a professional paleontologist, I have many years of experience in the field and consider myself an expert in avocational paleontology. Dedicated to bridging the gap between amateur fossil hunters and professional paleontologists, I aim to make fossils and paleontological knowledge accessible to everyone.
Some of my qualifications include:
Author of "The First Female Fossil Hunter: The Life and Legacy of Mary Anning."
Scriptwriter for a 2022 Florida fossil hunting episode of PBS America Outdoors Understory.
Inaugural Avocational Liaison to the Paleontological Society Council from 2017 to 2019.
Recipient of service awards from the Paleontological Society and Friends of the Aurora Fossil Museum.
Delivered professional presentations at multiple Geological Society of America (GSA) conferences, the North American Paleontological Conference, and numerous other GSA and paleontology events.
Featured in magazines such as "Organic Style", "Mid-Atlantic States", "Wonderful West Virginia", and "PropTalk".
Appeared on radio programs including "North Jersey Talking" and "970 WLFA - Tampa Bay's News Radio".
Contributed to or was featured in over a dozen publications, including school science books and general paleontology titles from major publishers such as Harcourt Publishing and smaller presses, including "Tracking Trilobites, Adventures in Paleontology" (Paul Gritis Books), "Spinosaurus (Exploring Dinosaurs)" (Library Binding), "Megalodon: Prehistoric Predator of the Deep" (Ruby Tuesday Books), and "101 American Fossil Sites You've Gotta See" (Mountain Press Publishing), as well as "Dinosauria and Prehistoric Creatures: Ancient Sharks" and more.
Written countless articles for fossil clubs and museums, including the Fossil Club of the Calvert Marine Museum, Maryland Geological Society, the Aurora Fossil Museum, and the Fossil Project.
Discovered fossil specimens published in peer-reviewed journals, helped scientifically significant specimens find their way into museums, and assisted with excavations alongside museum teams.
Highlights of my discoveries include:
Partial Squalodon skull (now at the Calvert Marine Museum)
Northernmost occurrence of a new species of Cretaceous angel shark, Cretasquatina americana (now at the AMNH)
Carboniferous shark, Glikmanius, extending its North American range (now at WVU / West Virginia Geological Survey)
Baculites ammonite with intact jaws (now at the Black Hills Institute)
Pachycephalosaurus skull dome, among others.
Conducted numerous fossil outreach events and "kids digs" in local communities.
Member of professional societies: Geological Society of America and the Paleontological Society.
Active in numerous avocational fossil societies and clubs.
When I'm not teaching or fossil hunting, I enjoy traveling, restoring wildlife habitats, and outdoor adventures.
The authors book about Mary Anning
The author presenting at the North American Paleontology Conference in California
Providing a "Fossil Dig" for kids at a community event
The author giving a presentation at a Geological Society of America conference in South Carolina
Some awards for service in Avocational Paleontology
