My research on the fossil trade is closely tied to public engagement. Purchasing fossils, after all, is a common introduction to paleontology.
The public fascination with fossils holds great potential, but also raises questions on legality, ethics, and authenticity. Many fossils sold publicly, particularly at retail gem and mineral stores, are assembled, mislabeled, and even faked entirely.
To help address these questions and these challenges, I manage the Fossil Authenticity Project, a public-facing resource on commonly seen fake and altered fossils on the commercial market. This includes guides and case studies to help collectors, educators, and enthusiasts distinguish fake fossils from authentic specimens, while critically examining both the prevalence of fake fossils and our relationship to collecting more broadly.