ByGeorge!

March 14, 2006

New Discovery Makes International Front Page News

BY MATTHEW LINDSAY

James Clark has made his fair share of interesting discoveries in the world of paleontology. His experience told him this find would be big news, not only inside the paleontology community, but to the outside world.

Clark said this was “probably the biggest media splash” any one of his discoveries has made.

A day after the paper’s release by Nature, an artist’s rendering of Guanlong wucaii appeared on the front page of USA Today, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. The story also was covered by the BBC, NPR, the Associated Press, National Geographic, and many other media outlets. Simply being published in Nature, considered by many scientists as the publishing world’s most prestigious scientific journal, is an honor.

Clark commented he is pleased that his discovery and the subsequent media exposure can help bring, “name recognition that groundbreaking science is being done at GW.”

GW students also have benefited from Clark’s field work in China. Brian Andres, who received his master’s at GW and is currently pursuing a PhD at Yale University, joined Clark in China in 2001 and 2002, and continues to work on the project. GW graduate students Michael Klein and Jonah Choiniere traveled to China during the summer of 2005 to assist the research team.

The discovery of Guanlong wucaii also allowed Clark to show those funding his work that their support has not been in vain. Clark mentioned National Geographic and the National Science Foundation, among others, as valuable sources of research funding who have been patient with his work.

“We went there looking for theropod dinosaurs, and to find them there was really rewarding,” said Clark in his low-key and unassuming manner. He noted this field work has been especially significant to him because he was the team’s co-leader and felt a burden of responsibility for the success of the project.

While Clark has received a few calls from television crews who want to join him in China, he isn’t holding his breath. The Gobi Desert is not for everyone, especially those equipped with sensitive sound and camera equipment. “Cameras and dust storms don’t mix,” as Clark put it. Even though it is inhospitable, the Gobi Desert is a place where Clark feels right at home.
—By Matthew Lindsay


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