Masterclass Robert Jones
Background
Robert Jones is a palaeontologist and Collection Manager of the Australian Museum’s Palaeontology Collection. Robert obtained a BSc then an MSc from the University of Sydney. He initially started work at the Australian Museum as a preparator of fossils turning a passion for geology and fossils, into a career. Now he is responsible for a collection of over 170 000 specimens of fossil plants, invertebrates, vertebrates and palaeontological thin-sections.
Robert Jones
Robert Jones’s work at the museum includes all aspects of collection management. This takes in policy development and implementation, organising and undertaking field trips to all parts of Australia, answering public inquiries, and promoting palaeontology and the Australian Museum through media appearances. He has given lectures and presentations to the public, students and interest groups, ranging from young children through to adults, on various palaeontological subjects. He has led field trips and supervised volunteers in the museum and in the field and has a broad knowledge of all groups of fossils and how and where to find them. As well, he has been an integral part of teams developing the museum’s fossil-themed programs, most recently the new and very popular ‘Dinosaurs’ exhibition.
Dinosaur from the exhibition
Robert Jones’s fieldwork experience is extensive and includes collecting in locations in Australia from Lord Howe Island to Lake Callabonna, South Australia and from Riversleigh, Queensland to Dinosaur Cove, Victoria. His extensive knowledge of field-collection techniques, especially of large vertebrate fossils, proved very useful when, in 2004, he spent four weeks in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada, collecting dinosaur fossils for the museum.
In this interview Robert talks about the fascinating world of palaeontology. He answers questions from pre-service teacher Helen Thompson and students from Balmain High School. The interview was held in the Dinosaur Gallery and studio at the Australian Museum.