Patrick M. O’Connor

Professor, Ohio University; Director of Earth and Space Sciences, Denver Museum of Nature & Science

My research employs a range of approaches to examine phylogenetic, functional, and biogeographic aspects of vertebrate evolution, with an emphasis on archosaurs. In recent years my laboratory has focused on integrating mechanistic studies in extant avian and mammal systems to formulate and test hypotheses on the generation of morphological disparity in the deep-time fossil record. I participate in international, interdisciplinary, collaborative networks to build in-place field and laboratory infrastructure for preparation, curation, accessible digitization, and physical repositories for natural history collections around the planet.

My educational background includes a B.S. in (Biological) Anthropology from Michigan State University and M.S. (Health Sciences) and Ph.D. (Anatomical Sciences/Evolutionary Anatomy) degrees from Stony Brook University. I was introduced to paleontological field research through University of Michigan teams in the Bridger Basin of Wyoming. After attending my first SVP as a graduate student nearly three decades ago, I have actively participated in SVP through attending annual meetings and serving in a variety of roles (e.g., Bryan Patterson Memorial Grant [Committee member, 2004-2014; Committee chair, 2006-2010]; Publications Committee [2014-2017]. For the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, I have served as Section/Associate Editor [2011-2013], Senior Editor [2014-2017], and Memoirs Editor [2020 – present]), through various growth phases that increased access and accessibility in line with contemporary publishing standards.

As a faculty member at Ohio University, my service roles have included Director of Educational Programs/Assistant Dean of Research Programs (2019-2024), Biomedical Sciences graduate committee chair and member of the shared PhD program in Biological Sciences (2008-2010; 2021-2024), Curriculum Director at Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (2012-2019), and course director for neurology (2002-2017). I have also served as primary advisor, mentor, or committee member for graduate students at OHIO, elsewhere in the US, and abroad. I am committed to optimizing research and educational outcomes and creating a pipeline of networked paleontological opportunities for students and junior scholars across the globe.

In January 2024, I joined the Denver Museum of Nature & Science as Director (Chair) of Earth and Space Sciences. This opportunity provides numerous ways to contribute as part of a large non-profit organization to expand research and educational opportunities through the dynamic science division at DMNS. I would welcome the opportunity to serve as Member-at-Large for the SVP and help expand and evolve opportunities with an emphasis on FAIR and CARE principles in the context of our profession.