Unearthing an Internship in Paleontology

A passion for paleontology and persistence won NCS junior Nora Loughlin a most unusual internship last summer.

As Nora explains, “Most young children love dinosaurs, but I’ve never grown out of my interest and love for them. I wanted an opportunity  to put my passion to the test on a ‘real-life’ dig for dinosaur bones. I wanted to sample a taste of the life of a paleontologist.”

Inspired by an episode of 60 Minutes last year, Nora started researching the work of world-famous paleontologist Jack Horner and emailed him at the University of Montana. Encouraged by NCS science teachers Elna Clevenger and Deborah Virtue, she persisted in her efforts to gain an opportunity to work with the Paleontology Center at the university. Here is Nora's account of how she ultimately found herself digging in the badlands of Montana in the summer of 2010.

My Story: Unearthing an Internship in Paleontology

by Nora Loughlin ‘12

Over Thanksgiving break 2009, I began to search the Internet for summer internships in paleontology. At the high school level, only “camp-like” programs were offered; what I wanted seemed to be open only to graduate students.  Then, watching an episode of 60 Minutes with my family, an opportunity presented itself. The show featured one of the world’s superstar paleontologists, Jack Horner, who’s recognized for having made five of the top ten discoveries in paleontology in the 20th century. He is the Regents Professor of Paleontology at Montana State University, and the curator of the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana.

The minute the show was over, I went to the computer to contact him. I read his books over the subsequent winter and spring breaks. I learned that Montana is a virtual treasure trove of dinosaur bones, especially from the Cretaceous Period.  From January through May, I emailed to keep my presence known and to ultimately push for an internship. I expanded my contacts to the University of Montana, which also has a world-class Paleontology Center.

My NCS teachers, Ms. Virtue and Ms. Clevenger, supported me throughout this process. Quite frankly, there were times when I felt I had no more reasons left to email, but thanks to the encouragement of my teachers, my determination remained strong.  Finally, in May, I landed my internship with the University of Montana. I would assist the university’s collection manager Kallie Moore during a three-week exploration and collections effort. What made this even more exciting was that I was the first high school student ever to be allowed to participate in a dig.

What I Found on the Dig
For two weeks in July 2010, Kallie and I scoured the Hell Creek Formations badlands in the northeast corner of Montana (near the Canadian border) for signs of fossil turtles, crocodiles, and fish. In one section, we were very fortunate to find dinosaur bone, several microfossil sites, and a large bone fragment with recent breaks. These findings are extremely encouraging and could lead to further, significant dinosaur bone discoveries. We carefully measured and sited the area for future exploration. I have been asked to return this summer to continue this work.

What I Found Out about Myself
Since I was very young, my parents have shown me by their words and their actions that you get what you settle for. Until I worked to get this internship, I really did not know what these words truly meant. Now I do. It is very easy to put obstacles in our own way. In fact, before I sent the first email, I honestly thought to myself, "Who are you kidding? This professor is never going to write back to you!" But I pushed the “send” button anyway, and it paid off. Even if I hadn't landed the internship, I learned how to advocate for myself, to communicate my passion, and to ask for the job.  I learned skills that will help me throughout my life.