New SDSM&T Paleontology Research Lab Opens
Local News
by
Amy Wright
last edited on
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
No bones about it, dinosaurs are cool!
And on Wednesday the South Dakota School of Mines celebrated an event of mammoth proportions with the opening of the new on campus Paleontology Research Laboratory.
The 33,000 square foot lab will provide a safe environmentally controlled location for the Museum of Geology which houses more than 500,000 fossils, mineral and rock samples, and fossil plants. It's one of the largest collection in the United States with some of the most scientifically documented specimens in the world.
On Wednesday Governor Mike Rounds as well as Rapid City Mayor Alan Hanks were on hand to participate in the opening ceremonies.
Dr. James Martin, the Executive Curator of the Museum of Geology, says, "I am in celebration mode. After 20 years of work we are finally recognizing a dream and that dream is to have a facility to house South Dakota's mineral and fossil heritage. Both of these are very, very important parts the research the activities and the student activities that go on here at the School of Mines."
The South Dakota School of Mines is home to the only paleontology graduate program in the United States. Dr. Martin said currently there are more than 100 students using the facility for research studies.