We are incredibly lucky to have had such amazing field interns in the last few years. Each has brought their own set of skills, personality, and special touch to each field season. This year, we’re excited to welcome two new field interns to the staff: Peter Rhynard and Shion Newsom!

Peter Rhynard grew up searching for critters in the woods and hunting for fossils in the Ordovician rocks of Dayton, Ohio. His love for natural history led him to Ohio University, where he is pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences with minors in Paleontology, Geology, and Museum Studies. Under the guidance of Dr. Lawrence Witmer, his undergraduate research is focused on using computed tomography (CT) data to reconstruct the skull of the notorious Allosaurus jimmadseni specimen Big Al (MOR 693). Outside of paleontology, he has worked with wild reptiles of the Chesapeake Bay at the Poplar Island Environmental Restoration Project (PIERP) and contributed to exhibit design with Ohio University’s Department of Geological Sciences and the Kennedy Museum of Art.

When he’s not working on one of his many projects, you can find Peter performing with his band Sunday Creek, backpacking somewhere in the wilderness, or making art with his friends.

Shion Newsom, an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, is currently pursuing a B.S. in Geology and a B.A. in Biology with a minor in Japanese Language. Her fascination with paleontology was sparked by her discovery of marine fossils in her elementary school’s playground and exploration of the Peace River in Florida. She also frequently travels to Japan, where she visits museums and fossil-rich quarries. At the University of Florida, Shion volunteers for the Department of Vertebrate Paleontology prepping fossils in the lab and excavating fossils at the Montbrook dig site. In the past, under the guidance of Dr. Richard Hulbert, she has worked on turtles, specifically the genus Trachemys, which are well known at the Montbrook site. Currently, she is researching samples of crocodyliform teeth from Bogotá, Colombia, under the guidance of Dr. Jonathan I. Bloch.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Shion enjoys crocheting and drawing, as well as outdoor activities like hiking through the wilderness, kayaking, and rock climbing.

This internship was made possible by the David B. Jones Foundation and our incredible donors. Without them, opportunities such as this for young scientists would not be possible! THANK YOU!

Meet the 2024 Field Interns!