Two Months, Countless Memories, and a Lot of Dirt

Declan Fahy next to a sauropod femur excavated from the Skyewalker site in 2025

Written by Declan Fahy

Where do I even begin with the life-changing time I had with Elevation Science this previous summer! So many memorable moments and great friends were found because of a simple Google search. “Summer paleontological internships” is what I wrote in my browser early this year. I was simply looking for something to scratch my 20-year-old dinosaur itch when I stumbled across Elevation Science’s internship program page.

After looking for all of about two seconds I came to the conclusion that I needed to be in Montana this summer. I threw my application in the ring and crossed my fingers. Before I knew it I had an interview and later received the email I had been waiting about three months for. If I remember correctly, I think my head nearly touched the ceiling when I read that they wanted me for the program.

Fast forward four months and I’m riding in a passenger van up a bumpy dirt road with two people I had never met before, about 2,000 miles away from home. It was safe to say, at this point, that I may have been slightly worried that I just jumped in the deep end without a lifejacket. All of that changed the minute I stepped out of the van and was greeted by the rest of the Elevation Science team. They instantly made me feel right at home as they gave me a tour around camp. About fifteen minutes in, I knew I made the right decision and was in for a stellar summer.

Declan holding an Allosaurus claw from the M&M site in 2025

Believe me when I say that two months have never flown by as fast as they did during my time with Elevation Science. I became addicted to the work we did in the field and was able to experience so many unforgettable moments. From managing a quarry to scouting for new fossil sites and exploring the beautiful Montana terrain, I have never felt more fulfilled than I did with my time with Elevation.

Being able to teach weekly participants and spread my love for paleontology to individuals while watching them become enamored, like me, was something truly special. Putting my nerdy love for paleontological interests aside, I also found friendships that will last me a lifetime. Spending time with these people was the highlight of my trip and provided me with a perfect sense of belonging in an otherwise foreign place.

If anyone is on the fence and looking for their sign to take the plunge, this is it. Trust me, you won’t regret it. I never thought I’d miss being so dirty.

Thank you to the David B. Jones Foundation and the Bureau of Land Management for making this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible!