Paul Sereno

Paul Sereno, a Professor and National Geographic Explorer, operates a Fossil Lab at the University of Chicago. Sereno's field exploits began in the foothills of the Andes in Argentina, where he discovered some of the earliest dinosaurs. His extensive expeditions have also taken him through the Sahara and Gobi Deserts, India's Thar Desert, and remote valleys in Tibet, uncovering a variety of spectacular crocodiles and dinosaurs, including giant 50-foot long predators and a 40-foot-long SuperCroc. His latest achievement includes the discovery of a human graveyard in the Sahara that predates the Egyptian pyramids.

In addition to his field work, Sereno is the president and co-founder of Project Exploration, an organization dedicated to making science accessible to the public, particularly minority youth and girls. He also engages actively in academia, teaching at the University of Chicago and contributing to the paleontological community as one of National Geographic's Explorers-in-Residence. His contributions to science education have not gone unnoticed; he has been named Teacher of the Year by the Chicago Tribune and has received the University Medal for Excellence from Columbia University. Furthermore, his dedication to mentoring young scientists earned him the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring from President Obama.

Sereno's engaging approach to science communication is evident in his diverse keynote programs. "Our Hidden Genius" reveals his personal journey into paleontology after a challenging start, while "Find Yourself in Science" offers insights into life as a scientist. His session "Dinosaurs for Kids" is particularly popular among younger audiences, providing an engaging Q&A format. Additionally, in "Hunting Feathered Dinosaurs and Colossal Crocs," Sereno shares his experiences exploring five continents, and his "Living Indiana Jones" keynote captures the adventurous side of being a dinosaur hunter in some of the world's most challenging environments. These programs, along with his featured stories in National Geographic magazine and appearances in NOVA documentaries, highlight his dynamic impact on both scientific and public communities.