Loren Babcock | Paleontology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Loren Babcock | Paleontology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at The Ohio State University, United States

Professional Profile

Scopus

Summary

Prof. Loren E. Babcock is a renowned geologist and paleontologist serving as a Professor in the School of Earth Sciences and Director of the Orton Geological Museum at The Ohio State University. With a career spanning over three decades, he is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work on fossil-Lagerstätten, Cambrian paleobiology, and evolutionary events. His research has deeply influenced our understanding of life's early history and extinction events, while his leadership in academia and museum curation has fostered scientific engagement and education on a global scale.

Educational Details

Prof. Babcock earned his Ph.D. in Geology (with Honors) from the University of Kansas in 1990, focusing on paleontology. He holds an M.S. in Geology from Kent State University (1986), also specializing in paleontology, and a B.S. in Geology/Biology from the State University of New York at Fredonia (1983). His interdisciplinary academic foundation has provided the basis for a prolific research and teaching career.

Professional Experience

Prof. Babcock has served at The Ohio State University since 1990, advancing from Assistant Professor to full Professor in the School of Earth Sciences. He has directed the Orton Geological Museum since 2019, where he has pioneered outreach, exhibit innovation, and accessibility. His leadership roles include Chair of the International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy (2012–2020), and guest professorships at Lund University in Sweden and Cornell University. He has also significantly influenced academic curricula, museum education, and interdisciplinary program development.

Research Interests

Prof. Babcock’s research focuses on major evolutionary events, fossil preservation, and predator-prey dynamics in the history of life. His studies include the Cambrian explosion, the rise of jawed fishes, and the Quaternary megafaunal extinctions, with fieldwork across North America, China, Greenland, and Antarctica. He is a specialist in exceptional fossil preservation (Lagerstätten), stratigraphic correlation, and paleobiology of arthropods, particularly trilobites. His work provides vital insights into biodiversity patterns, extinction events, and the refinement of the geologic time scale.

Author Metrics

Prof. Babcock has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, books, and edited volumes. His H-index is 34, indicating a high level of academic impact. His recent works have garnered substantial attention, with Altmetric indices over 100 and citations across scientific platforms and Wikipedia. His publications are frequently referenced in geoscience education, stratigraphy, and paleontology, solidifying his status as a leading voice in Earth history research.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Babcock has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Best Researcher Award (2024) in Earth and Planetary Sciences, the Antarctica Service Medal (2007), the Charles Schuchert Award for Excellence in Paleontology (2001), and election as a Fellow of both the Paleontological Society and the Geological Society of America. His work has also been recognized with the Erasmus Haworth Alumni Award and leadership positions in international geological commissions and museum associations.

Publication Top Notes

1. Marine Arthropod Fossil-Lagerstätten

  • Author: Loren Edward Babcock

  • Journal: Journal of Paleontology

  • Year: 2025 (anticipated)

  • Summary:
    This paper discusses exceptional fossil sites known as Fossil-Lagerstätten that preserve marine arthropods in extraordinary detail. It likely reviews the paleobiology, taphonomy, and geological settings of these deposits, highlighting their importance in understanding arthropod evolution and Cambrian biodiversity.

  • Citations: 0

  • Access: Full text currently not available.

2. First complete specimens of Karslanus (Trilobita, Dameselloidea) from Longha Formation (Cambrian: Guzhangian), Yunnan, South China

  • Authors: Shanchi Peng, Loren Edward Babcock, Xianfeng Yang, Xuejian Zhu

  • Journal: Palaeoworld

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary:
    This study presents the first complete fossil specimens of the trilobite genus Karslanus from the Cambrian Longha Formation. It provides detailed morphological descriptions and discusses the taxonomy and evolutionary implications for the Dameselloidea group within the Cambrian marine ecosystem.

  • Citations: 0

  • Access: Full text currently not available.

3. A new dameselloid trilobite from the Fulu Biota, Longha Formation (Cambrian: Guzhangian), Yunnan, South China, and revised classification of dameselloids

  • Authors: Shanchi Peng, Loren Edward Babcock, Xianfeng Yang, Xuejian Zhu, Yu Liu

  • Journal: Palaeoworld

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary:
    The paper describes a new species of dameselloid trilobite discovered in the Fulu Biota within the Longha Formation. It includes taxonomic revisions of the dameselloid trilobites and offers insights into Cambrian biodiversity and phylogeny.

  • Citations: 0

  • Access: Full text currently not available.

4. Replacement names for two species of Orthacanthus Agassiz, 1843 (Chondrichthyes, Xenacanthiformes), and discussion of Giebelodus Whitley, 1940, replacement name for Chilodus Giebel, 1848 (Chondrichthyes, Xenacanthiformes), preoccupied by Chilodus Müller & Troschel, 1844 (Actinopterygii, Characiformes)

  • Author: Loren Edward Babcock

  • Journal: ZooKeys (Open Access)

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary:
    This nomenclatural study addresses taxonomic clarifications and replacement names for species in the extinct shark genus Orthacanthus and related genera. It resolves issues arising from preoccupied names in taxonomic classification to stabilize scientific naming conventions within Paleozoic chondrichthyans.

  • Citations: 1

  • Access: Open Access, full text disabled in preview mode.

5. Nomenclatural history of Megalonyx Jefferson, 1799 (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Pilosa, Megalonychidae)

  • Author: Loren Edward Babcock

  • Journal: ZooKeys (Open Access)

  • Year: 2024

  • Summary:
    This article traces the nomenclatural and taxonomic history of the giant ground sloth genus Megalonyx. It clarifies historic naming issues and establishes a framework for consistent use of the genus name in paleontological research.

  • Citations: 1

  • Access: Open Access, full text disabled in preview mode.

Conclusion 

Prof. Loren E. Babcock stands among the most accomplished paleontologists of his generation. His decades-long research, scholarly impact, international collaboration, and leadership in stratigraphy and museum science make him an ideal and deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award in Paleontology.

Donald Hermann Fossi – Géology – Cartography Award – Best Researcher Award

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Donald Hermann Fossi – Géologie – Cartographie Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Donald Hermann Fossi distinguished academic and researcher in the field Geologie cartographie. Donald Hermann Fossi is an early career scientist specializing in several facets of geology and mineral exploration. His expertise encompasses structural geology and fluid dynamics, particularly in the context of pluton emplacement and the genesis of mineral resources. He delves into the petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of both igneous and metamorphic rocks, elucidating their composition and origins. Proficient in mapping and modeling, Donald excels in unraveling the intricate structures of magmatic and tectonic fields, providing insights crucial for geological understanding and resource assessment. Moreover, he employs remote sensing techniques and geostatistics for efficient mining exploration, leveraging software tools such as R, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, ENVI, Erdas, Micromine, Rockwork, and PCI Geomatica. With a keen environmental awareness and proficiency in project management tools like Primavera and Microsoft Project, Donald is poised to make significant contributions to the field of earth sciences and resource exploration.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He pursued his educational journey in Earth Sciences diligently, culminating in a Doctorate from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, spanning from 2017 to 2023. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences from the same institution between 2014 and 2016. His foundational knowledge in the field was laid during his Bachelor’s program at the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, spanning from 2008 to 2013.

Complementing his formal education, he engaged in several short course trainings to enhance his skill set. Notably, he participated in programs such as “Going Places with Spatial Analysis” and “Do it Yourself Geo apps” offered by Esri, a leading company in GIS technology. Additionally, he obtained certifications in project management from the Cetic Cadd Skills Centre and received training in cartography from CEPROMINE.

Demonstrating a commitment to safety and community welfare, he acquired a First Aid Member’s Certificate from the Cameroon Red-Cross. These diverse educational and training experiences have equipped him with a robust foundation in Earth Sciences, GIS, project management, and emergency response, positioning him as a versatile and competent professional in his field.

Work experiences

He served as a Senior Exploration Geologist at Geocam Mining SA from December 2021 to September 2022, where he demonstrated strong leadership by supervising a team of geologists and technicians. His responsibilities included meticulously planning and executing mining exploration projects while ensuring adherence to high standards of safety and efficiency. He played a pivotal role in the analysis of geological and geospatial data, leveraging advanced techniques to model mineral deposits accurately. Additionally, he adeptly managed communication with various stakeholders, fostering productive relationships with investors and regulatory agencies to facilitate project success.

Transitioning to a role as a Guest Researcher at CEREGE from September 2021 to October 2021, he seamlessly integrated into the dynamic research environment, collaborating closely with CEREGE’s esteemed team of researchers, scientists, and experts. His contributions were instrumental in advancing ongoing projects related to environmental geosciences. Leveraging his expertise, he conducted thorough data analysis and interpretation, utilizing the resources and data available at CEREGE to drive research objectives forward. Moreover, he utilized CEREGE’s cutting-edge laboratories, equipment, and facilities to conduct experiments and analyses, further enriching the research outcomes.

He is an active member of several prestigious professional associations, including the Cameroon Geosciences Society (CGS), the Geochemical Society (GS), and the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG). Through his membership in these organizations, he stays abreast of the latest developments and trends in the field of geosciences, fostering professional networking opportunities and knowledge exchange with fellow experts. These affiliations underscore his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and engagement with the broader scientific community, enhancing his expertise and contributions to the field.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬