From childhood dream to reality:

Meet Madison (Madi) Syrett-Watkins, a senior undergrad at Southern Utah University. It's been more than ten years since Madi discovered her very first fossil, an ankylosaur plate on Utah's public lands; she was 14 years old at the time. As a child, she was captivated by the striking landscapes of her hometown of Tropic, Utah and the prehistoric mysteries it held. This is where Madi's dinosaur journey began.

Having grown up between Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park, the opportunities for a budding paleontologist were all around and the milestones continued to pile up for her throughout high school, like participating in hadrosaur dinosaur digs in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Madi's fascination with dinosaurs started when she was young and began collecting newspaper clippings about local fossil discoveries. Her curiosity evolved into a deep passion for paleontology, which was further solidified during her first fossil dig. Unbeknownst to her, this experience would lay a foundation and kickstart a journey for what later became her career path in paleontology. "When I was 14, I got an opportunity to go on a dig near Green River, Utah, with Jim Kirkland, Utah State Paleontologist for the Utah Geological Survey. Since I couldn’t drive yet, I begged my parents to drive me across the state for the day. Luckily, they were super supportive and agreed to drive me there."

"My mom got me to the dig site early that morning. I introduced her to everyone, and she dropped me off, saying she’d be back at five while she went to work on her computer in town. I was fortunate to work with both Jim Kirkland and Don DeBlieux, Assistant Utah State Paleontologist for the Utah Geological Survey, who not only taught me all kinds of fieldwork techniques but also helped me train my eye to spot fossils better. During that dig, I actually uncovered an ankylosaur plate! Jim and Don also taught me how to document what I found, map out the area, and even cover it in plaster."

"This experience made me realize that paleontology was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I discovered that I loved being in the field and that's the day I got hooked on paleontology." -Madi

With academic pursuits in both geology and paleontology, Madi's current research focuses on a project she undertook to fulfill an undergraduate requirement. Rather than opting for the bare minimum, Madi set an ambitious goal - to publish her first research paper before graduation. Through her great connections with Jim Kirkland, Alan Titus, and all of the people she'd met in the past ten years, Madi was able to solicit ideas for a research project. Titus, having some specimens excavated between 2014 and 2018, offered them for study. This project has since become a cornerstone of her career. "I got to be one of the first people to uncover and document these bones." The significance of these hadrosaurs—now identified as a new species and the oldest known to North America—continues to shape her research. Most recently, she presented her findings at the 2024 conference for the   Society of Vertebrate Paleontology . Soon Madi will graduate from SUU and become a published co-author in the field of paleontology research on some of the oldest known hadrosaurs (HAD-roh-sore) discovered in North America.

The hadrosaurs were excavated from within the Wahweap Formation across ten different localities, a remarkable number given the rarity of well-preserved fossils from that era; the presence of cranial material within the specimen proved crucial for helping identify this new species. In a collaborative effort with fellow researcher Bryce Cassiano, Madi studied the hadrosaurs’ teeth and dental structure, ultimately confirming their uniqueness. Hadrosaurs have what is known as 'dental batteries,' meaning they continuously stack their teeth throughout their lifetime. These hadrosaurs had dental batteries with only one tooth per tooth socket.

Unlike the early days of paleontology, Madi's work is bolstered by cutting-edge technology. "There are a lot of really cool technological advances coming up in the field that I am excited to see." According to Madi, Arc GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping and CT scanning have revolutionized fossil documentation and site management, allowing researchers to map and analyze dig sites more efficiently, and examine the internal structures of fossils without damaging them.  This noninvasive technique gives researchers information about a bone's sensory capabilities, mechanical behavior, and function. With advances in technology, scientists can now create 3D models and share them with others worldwide for reconstruction and research purposes, contributing to a global network of paleontological research. Meanwhile, back in the paleontology lab, Madi and Cassiano learned that the teeth of their hadrosaur specimens differed slightly from those of much younger hadrosaurs. Unlike younger hadrosaurs with multiple teeth per socket, their hadrosaurs only had one tooth per socket and a different tooth shape. "We compared this to similar formations in Texas and Canada, which confirmed that we are dealing with a new species."

For Madi, staying motivated to further her research comes naturally; her journey from collecting newspaper clippings as a child to discovering North America's oldest known hadrosaurs demonstrates how early curiosity can blossom into groundbreaking research.

"I've had amazing mentors who helped shape my career, and I want to do the same for the next generation. My ultimate goals are to continue advancing my own paleontological research and inspire the next generation of paleontologists. My commitment to the next-generation paleontologists extends beyond the classroom and lab." -Madi

Having grown up in a small rural town, Madi understands the importance of bringing science to local communities. She emphasizes how networking has been crucial to her success, opening doors to invaluable field experiences and research opportunities. "Someday, I'd like to help establish a museum near Tropic to bring the fossils of Grand Staircase back to the people who live there. Many of these fossils currently end up in museums in Salt Lake, Denver, or elsewhere. I want to make them more accessible to the local community because science is interconnected, and the paleontology tools we develop can be applied to other fields."

As she prepares for the next step—pursuing a Master of Science or Ph.D.—Madi remains open to new opportunities. While Utah’s fossil record is unparalleled, she acknowledges the value of global experiences. “I’d love to do fieldwork in places like Mongolia or Egypt. Any experience, good or bad, will prove valuable in shaping my career.” Her advice to aspiring paleontologists? “Network, network, network! Knowledge is important, but connections open doors to hands-on experiences. This field is much more challenging but incredibly rewarding than what you see in Jurassic Park.” From a dinosaur-obsessed child to a pioneering young scientist, Madi’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the thrill of discovery. With her dedication to research and mentorship, Madi is helping inspire and ensure that paleontology remains a vibrant and evolving field for generations to come.

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