Q&A with Dean Lomax
An opportunity to chat to a palaeontologist and author was too good to pass up! We asked Dean Lomax a few questions about his job and his books!
Dinosaurs are forever a favourite subject area for young readers- was that where your interest began as well? When did you decide this could be a career for you?
– I have been fascinated by dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals for as long as I can remember. To further my interests, I would read books, visit museums and collect fossils. From about the age of 5 I had made my decision to be a palaeontologist! But, it became a realistic career option for me after volunteering at a museum in Wyoming, in 2008, where the experience I gained was a vital step towards a future career.
You have written several books for children- how do you decide which dinosaurs, facts and other creatures to include?
– Every fossil tells a story and is important in its own way, but I like to include a combination of prehistoric creatures that are familiar and those that are unusual and that most people will never have heard of, such as the giant penguin, Icadyptes.
Why do you think we have such a fascination for pre-historic life and creatures?
– Fossils provide us with a unique view into a world that seems so alien, yet it is our world. I think fossils act as powerful tools that allow us to appreciate how remarkable evolution and life on Earth really is.
Do you believe we still have much to learn from this time period?
– Absolutely. For example, a new species of dinosaur is discovered every two weeks! There are more palaeontologists today then there has ever been in history.
What has been your most exciting discovery?
– That’s a tough question! However, I think it would probably be the discovery of a new species of ichthyosaur – a seagoing reptile that looked a bit like a dolphin – which I named in honour of my childhood hero, Mary Anning, Ichthyosaurus anningae.
The pop-up feature will appeal to so many young readers and will foster their interest in this area- was that the initial thinking behind adding this feature?
– In many ways, it was. I like the idea that children and parents can interact with the pop-up and see just how impressive these ancient critters were.
What advice would you give to budding palaeontologists?
– Get hands on and learn as much about palaeontology as you can. Visit museums, read books and collect fossils (responsibly). I cannot stress how important it is to work hard and to learn about many different fossils, not just dinosaurs.
Dean Lomax has several books published about dinosaurs and can be found with your favourite retailer.
Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Federation.