18 June 2004

Professional scientist doubles as amateur paleontologist

Several scientists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory have used micro X-ray fluorescence (MXRF) to nondestructively examine and characterize small art, archaeological and fossil specimens. This method provides a new way to both image a specimen while also providing information about its composition.

A recent Associated Press (AP) article reports that George Havrilla, one of the Los Alamos team members, is working with Bob Mortin, a chemist for Conoco Phillips, to use the MXRF method to produce exceptionally high quality images of certain kinds of fossils. According to the article, Mortin describes himself as an amateur paleontologist.

For details about this new technique, see the AP article as published in USA Today on 16 June 2004 at www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2004-06-16-fossils_x.htm

The Society for Amateur Scientists is very familiar with citizen scientists who have specialized, advanced degrees and who are also captivated by amateur science. Shawn Carlson, founder and Executive Director of SAS and former writer of "The Amateur Scientist" column in Scientific American, has a doctorate in physics. Sheldon Greaves, SAS web master and Managing Editor of The Citizen Scientist, has a doctorate in ancient Near Eastern studies.

Forrest M. Mims III.