Young avocational Paleontologist from Georgia who works tirelessly to bring paleontology educational programs to children and minorities in his region and online
“[I]n addition to his own autodidactic studies, he takes the inititative to make the geosciences– empirically the least diverse of the sciences — accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities, address, or financial situation. I have watched him come up against personal challenges both in his life and in the lack of diversity within paleontology, and he only finds more ways to contribute to the field.” (quote from PRI Katherine Palmer Award nomination by Kate Marriott, SUNY New Paltz Graduate, https;//www.priweb.org/blog-post/palmer-award-cameron-muskelly)
“Cam’s efforts in outreach and education to his local and online community are unmatched. …He also shares, promotes discussions, and supports other paleontologists online. Cam has not yet had formal paleontology or education training, but already has a larger professional and social paleontology network than anyone I know.” (Mr. Muskelly’s Twitter profile may be accessed at: https;//twitter.com/PaleoCameron; his account is @PaleoCameron.) Mr. Muskelly atteneded the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Section of the Geological Society of America as part of the Time Scavengers project. At the meeting “he was able to meet many of his online paleontology freinds for the first time. Most telling, was a woman coming up to him and saying she brought him materials to help in his eeducational outreach endeavors. Cam turned to me and said, “who was that?’ She’s friends with him online and wanted to help him succeed. A great example of how impactful and supportive his network is. Cam takes every opportunity he is given to learn, spread knowledge, and make new friends. He carries fossils in his pockets to act as a starting point of conversation, no matter the venue!” (Dr. Jennnifer Bauer, https;//www.priweb.org/blog-post/palmer-award-cameron-muskelly)
2020 Katherine Palmer Award Recipient from the Paleontological Research Institute for outstanding work by an Avocational Paleotologist
GLG 202 Historical Geology
GLG 305 Paleontology
Photo 1: Cam with the 2020 Katherine Palmer Award (Credit: priweb.org)
Photo 2: Cam at the Geological Society of America Southeastern Sectional Meeting presenting on his work geoscience education. Credit: Sara Bossenecker