Press

The New York State Board of Regents has appointed Dr. Lisa Amati as New York State Paleontologist. As State Paleontologist, Dr. Amati is responsible for curating the New York State Museum's paleontology collection, conducting paleontological field and laboratory research, overseeing the development of research grants and participating in the development of public and educational programs.

"Dr. Lisa Amati is a well-respected paleontologist and experienced educator," said State Museum Director Mark Schaming. "Her scholarship and experience as a college professor will contribute significantly to the museum's mission as an educational and research institution. The New York State Museum is proud to welcome her as curator of paleontology and New York State Paleontologist." 

Dr. Amati was previously an associate professor of geology at SUNY Potsdam. She received her B.S. from the University of Wyoming, M.S. from Kent State University, and Ph.D. the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Amati's research is focused on the paleontology of New York State with a concentration on the ecology and evolution of 450 million year old trilobites.

She is the second woman to serve as New York State Paleontologist. Winifred Goldring was the first woman State Paleontologist and served in that role from 1939 to 1954.

Education Law section 235 requires that the Board of Regents appoint the State Paleontologist and that the State Paleontologist be a member of the staff at the New York State Museum.

The State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department's Office of Cultural Education. Located on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.