Difference between revisions of "Core Compentencies"

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*A qualified preparator should have an understanding of fossils and matrices as the products of geological processes and as geological data. This should include knowledge of taphonomy, basic geological principles, and different modes of preservation. Preparation usually requires removal of matrix from bone, and some fossil evidence such as trace fossils, root-casts, phytoliths and soil structure are contained within the matrix. Therefore, the preparator should have an awareness of data contained within the matrix and understands that any modification of matrix is a potential loss of data.
 
*A qualified preparator should have an understanding of fossils and matrices as the products of geological processes and as geological data. This should include knowledge of taphonomy, basic geological principles, and different modes of preservation. Preparation usually requires removal of matrix from bone, and some fossil evidence such as trace fossils, root-casts, phytoliths and soil structure are contained within the matrix. Therefore, the preparator should have an awareness of data contained within the matrix and understands that any modification of matrix is a potential loss of data.
  
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*AMMP video about Understanding Fossils as Geological Materials and Data competency: https://youtu.be/bwId7CE9dNQ  
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*AMMP video about Understanding Fossils as Geological Materials and Data competency: https://youtu.be/bwId7CE9dNQ
  
  
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5. Participation in the Science of Paleontology
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*A qualified preparator is conversant in the specialized vocabulary, terminology, and research goals of paleontology, and can alert researchers to evidence and assist in its interpretation. The preparator understands the pertinent scientific references, and is able to share and receive relevant information with other subject matter experts.
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*AMMP video about Participation in the Science of Paleontology competency: https://youtu.be/bwId7CE9dNQ?t=1053
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6. Understanding of Conservation Principles and Ethics
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*The preparator is also a conservator and makes every effort to ensure that the prepared specimen will resist deterioration for as long as possible. The qualified preparator recognizes the agents of deterioration and understands the principles of preventive and remedial conservation. The preparator is familiar with the current literature, principles, ethics, and specialized vocabulary of conservation.
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*AMMP video about Conservation Principles and Ethics competency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs_6OwRVwYM&t=142s
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7. Documentation and Record Keeping
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*The qualified preparator understands that preparation is part of the scientific process and ensures that all data generated within the laboratory, including identifications, photographs, preparation records, and housing materials are documented and archived. The preparator keeps identifying numbers in association with specimens throughout the preparation process. The preparator keeps records of all tools, techniques, and materials used to prepare or house the specimen that might impact physical or chemical interpretation, or that might have to be removed in the future. The qualified preparator is able to create publishable documentation of materials and methods for inclusion in scientific descriptions of the specimen.
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*AMMP video about Documentation and Record Keeping competency: https://youtu.be/sDOxDBHvWug
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8. Understanding and Aptitude in the Use of Preparation Tools and Techniques
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*The qualified preparator can select the most appropriate tools and techniques to skillfully reveal scientific information, and safeguard the long-term well being of the specimen. The preparator should be proficient in the preparation of common modes of vertebrate fossil preservation and in challenging situations should be able to seek further guidance in the preparation and conservation literature. The preparator augments this knowledge through professional conferences and communication with colleagues.
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*AMMP video about Use of Preparation Tools and Techniques competency: https://youtu.be/NPa2Bfkfwh4?t=755
  
 
==Contributors==
 
==Contributors==

Revision as of 22:06, 20 September 2023

Statement of Purpose

These links and documents contain information about core competencies in different disciplines in natural history collections

Introduction

Paleontology

Defining the Professional Preparator Core Competencies

The below list of core competencies were drafted by Matthew Brown, Amy Davidson, Marilyn Fox, Steve Jabo, and Matt Smith in 2012 with the support of the 2011 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Preparator's grant the University of Texas at Austin, American Museum of Natural History, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, National Museum of Natural History, and Petrified Forest National Park. The core competency information below is quoted directly from the "DEFINING THE PROFESSIONAL VERTEBRATE FOSSIL PREPARATOR: ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES" on SVP website. The linked YouTube videos were produced by the Association for Materials and Methods in Paleontology (AMMP).


1. Critical Thinking

  • The judgments and actions of the qualified preparator are guided by a methodology that places a priority on enhancing, not diminishing the scientific value of the specimen. Critical thinking allows the application of the knowledge, skill, and experience of the preparator to assess the specimen, the task at hand and the desired end product before commencing preparation and during every stage of preparation. The preparator must be able to continually monitor the immediate physical impacts upon the specimen by treatments, handling, examination, and consider the long-term effects of the materials and techniques applied to the specimen. The qualified preparator has the ability to conceptualize, think creatively and evaluate information in a systematic, purposeful, efficient manner. The preparator also has an appreciation for their own limits and knows when and where to seek guidance.


2. Aptitude for Fossils as Materials

  • Competent preparation requires an intrinsic sensitivity and feel for fossils as physical, often fragile material. The preparator combines this innate aptitude with an understanding of the scientific value of fossils, and a lack of competency in this area cannot be offset by knowledge of preparation and conservation theory.


3. Understanding of Fossils as Biological Materials and Data

  • The qualified preparator has the ability to exercise good judgment when interpreting the distinction between biological remains and matrix, and is guided by a fundamental knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, physiology and evolution. The preparator can recognize that fossil specimens are the physical representations of primary paleontological data. A preparator has a basic understanding of fossils as an individual’s remains and the biological data contained therein. A qualified preparator uses correct anatomical terminology to document preparation and communicate with researchers.


4. Understanding of Fossils as Geological Materials and Data

  • A qualified preparator should have an understanding of fossils and matrices as the products of geological processes and as geological data. This should include knowledge of taphonomy, basic geological principles, and different modes of preservation. Preparation usually requires removal of matrix from bone, and some fossil evidence such as trace fossils, root-casts, phytoliths and soil structure are contained within the matrix. Therefore, the preparator should have an awareness of data contained within the matrix and understands that any modification of matrix is a potential loss of data.


5. Participation in the Science of Paleontology

  • A qualified preparator is conversant in the specialized vocabulary, terminology, and research goals of paleontology, and can alert researchers to evidence and assist in its interpretation. The preparator understands the pertinent scientific references, and is able to share and receive relevant information with other subject matter experts.


6. Understanding of Conservation Principles and Ethics

  • The preparator is also a conservator and makes every effort to ensure that the prepared specimen will resist deterioration for as long as possible. The qualified preparator recognizes the agents of deterioration and understands the principles of preventive and remedial conservation. The preparator is familiar with the current literature, principles, ethics, and specialized vocabulary of conservation.


7. Documentation and Record Keeping

  • The qualified preparator understands that preparation is part of the scientific process and ensures that all data generated within the laboratory, including identifications, photographs, preparation records, and housing materials are documented and archived. The preparator keeps identifying numbers in association with specimens throughout the preparation process. The preparator keeps records of all tools, techniques, and materials used to prepare or house the specimen that might impact physical or chemical interpretation, or that might have to be removed in the future. The qualified preparator is able to create publishable documentation of materials and methods for inclusion in scientific descriptions of the specimen.


8. Understanding and Aptitude in the Use of Preparation Tools and Techniques

  • The qualified preparator can select the most appropriate tools and techniques to skillfully reveal scientific information, and safeguard the long-term well being of the specimen. The preparator should be proficient in the preparation of common modes of vertebrate fossil preservation and in challenging situations should be able to seek further guidance in the preparation and conservation literature. The preparator augments this knowledge through professional conferences and communication with colleagues.

Contributors

Christina Byrd

Source Material

Links

References

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