Amy Atwater is a distinguished paleontologist based in Montana, currently serving as the Paleontology Collections Manager at the Museum of the Rockies. In this role, she oversees the largest collection of *Tyrannosaurus rex* fossils in the world, significantly contributing to the understanding of prehistoric life. Her research primarily focuses on North American Eocene primates, particularly omomyids, where she has made notable advancements, including the description of three new genera from her master’s thesis.
Atwater’s academic journey began at the University of Oregon, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences and a minor in Anthropology. Her passion for paleontology was further cultivated during her graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. This foundation allowed her to engage in impactful research, including phylogenetic analyses that enhance the understanding of evolutionary relationships among ancient primates.
In addition to her research, Atwater is a co-founder of the blog “Mary Anning’s Revenge,” which aims to highlight the contributions of women in paleontology and challenge the gender biases prevalent in the field. Through this platform, she actively promotes science communication and outreach, inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM.
Atwater’s commitment to education extends to her social media presence, where she shares insights and educational content about paleontology. Her efforts not only enrich the scientific community but also foster a more inclusive environment for future generations of scientists.
