Paleontology: Ancient Marine Reptiles

He is a vertebrate paleontologist specializing in extinct marine reptiles. His research focuses on the comparative skeletal anatomy and interrelationships of these fossil groups, exploring how these animals were adapted for their aquatic lifestyles.

Michael Caldwell is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, where he specializes in vertebrate paleontology, particularly focusing on the evolution and systematics of snakes, lizards, and their relatives. He earned his Ph.D. from McGill University, where he began his research into limb evolution in aquatically adapted reptiles, examining fossils of iconic marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and mosasaurs. Caldwell's extensive fieldwork has taken him around the globe, from the deserts of Patagonia to museum collections worldwide, where he investigates both fossil specimens and living squamates to enhance our understanding of their evolutionary history. With over 60 peer-reviewed publications to his name, including significant contributions to the study of dental evolution in reptiles, Caldwell has established a reputation for challenging existing paradigms and generating new insights into the evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity. His commitment to mentoring students is evident in his role as a supervisor for numerous doctoral candidates, many from underrepresented groups in science. Caldwell's innovative use of new technologies such as CT scanning and digital imaging continues to advance the field of paleontology, making critical data more accessible for research and education.