Paleo Perspectives
Feb
26
2026
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Liam Norris -
Pamela R. Owen -
Steve Wick
Feb
26
2026
-
Liam Norris
-
Pamela R. Owen
-
Steve Wick
Description
Join the Texas Science & Natural History Museum for a chat with museum paleontologists on the science of paleontology and the fascinating research happening right here in Texas.
Learn how scientists study the ecomorphology of American badgers, uncover chemical clues preserved in dinosaur teeth and investigate the extinct animals that once roamed Big Bend. The discussion will also highlight the museum’s newly updated Paleontology Gallery and offer three unique answers to the question, “How did you become a paleontologist?”
The evening includes a Q&A and light reception. Space is limited and registration is required.
About the Speakers
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Liam Norris
Exhibition and Outreach Associate, Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Dr. Liam Norris is a paleontologist specializing in dinosaur paleontology, specifically studying paleoecology through geochemistry. Liam graduated from Texas A&M University in 2020 with his BS in geology, and earned ...
Dr. Liam Norris is a paleontologist specializing in dinosaur paleontology, specifically studying paleoecology through geochemistry. Liam graduated from Texas A&M University in 2020 with his BS in geology, and earned his Ph.D. in geosciences from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2025. Liam is from Houston and is passionate about paleontology, wildlife and artwork, and loves giving people their own "eureka" moment by making complex scientific topics understandable to all.
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Pamela R. Owen
Associate Director, Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Pamela R. Owen is Associate Director of Texas Science & Natural History Museum, where she oversees education, exhibits and collections. She is a mammalogist, vertebrate paleontologist and science educator, providing ...
Pamela R. Owen is Associate Director of Texas Science & Natural History Museum, where she oversees education, exhibits and collections. She is a mammalogist, vertebrate paleontologist and science educator, providing K-16+ specimen-based public outreach and education programs. Before taking on the role of Associate Director, Owen served as the museum’s Senior Biodiversity/Paleontology Educator and manager of the vertebrate paleontology collections. She received a BA and MS in Biology from California State University, Long Beach, and a Ph.D. in geological sciences from The University of Texas at Austin. Owen’s research has focused on carnivorans, including badgers, black-footed ferrets, coyotes and saber-toothed cats. She provides annual training in mammalogy for several chapters of the Texas Master Naturalists.
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Steve Wick
Education Associate, Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Steve Wick is a UT Austin graduate and former park ranger and paleontologist at Big Bend National Park. He is currently a research associate with UT Austin’s Texas Vertebrate Paleontology ...
Steve Wick is a UT Austin graduate and former park ranger and paleontologist at Big Bend National Park. He is currently a research associate with UT Austin’s Texas Vertebrate Paleontology Collections and has spent nearly 25 years studying Late Cretaceous vertebrate fossils from West Texas, with a particular fondness for dinosaurs. His research focuses on microvertebrate fossils to reconstruct ancient faunas and ecosystems, and he enjoys sharing his passion for paleontology with visitors of all ages.