User:Ritterbush

Dr. Ritterbush: "Hello! Yes, please have a seat here in my office."

Student: ...

Dr. R: "Oh, you and I are both here through the magic of the interwebs transporting our thoughts through space and time? Cool!"

Student: ...

Dr. R: "Fair point. I see how that makes it tricky to chat about dinosaurs and ask in-depth questions about the history of our planet and its ecosystems!"

Student: ...

Dr. R: "Yes, of COURSE I believe you can get a good grade in this class AND have fun AND learn a lot!"

Student: ...

Dr. R: "Well, yes, this will require setting aside some time each week to actually do the stuff - you know, the fun-having and the learning."

Student: ...

Dr. R: "Great Idea! Please help yourself to the Frequently Asked Questions, below."

Q: So the class is all online?
A: Essentially, yes.


 * 1) Your learning and grade will NOT require:
 * 2) Showing up in person, on or off campus.
 * 3) Attending synchronous lectures.
 * 4) Your learning and grade WILL require:
 * 5) Using time each week to learn (fun optional). I estimate 1.5-4 hours per week per student.
 * 6) Weekly participation on Canvas. I don't love Canvas, but we need some way to track progress.

Q: What if my internet/ computer/ devices aren't working?
A: Your tuition covers technical services from the University, so USE THEM! They should be able to lend you a laptop, provide free wifi all around campus, etc. We built this NEW platform FOR YOU to use on mobile (phone, tablet), desktop (laptop, computer) with low-resolution, low-wifi-data use. This replaces the usual textbook. And we won't require synchronized streaming or high-resolution lecture downloads.

Q: What should I do if I need help understanding something from class, or want to chat about dinosaurs and stuff?
A: Usually you'd come to my office in FASB 341 on the UU campus. Since we're stuck in a digital hinterland for Fall 2020, you can email me (k.ritterbush@utah.edu), contact me through via Canvas message, or join thrilling Canvas conversation threads. We can also schedule in-person meet-ups in open-air settings on campus.

Q: This is a drag. I came to college to make friends and learn with my peers!
A: I HEAR that. We're doing our best to host OPTIONAL IN-PERSON meet-ups throughout the semester. Watch for announcements on Canvas for our CAFE-DINO events!

Q: I heard there are field trips. How is that a thing right now!?
A: There are OPTIONAL, awesome, safety-oriented field trips scheduled throughout the semester. Do not feel pressured to go! We invite you to make the most of our fair city and its dinosaur wonders.

Q: Are you a REAL paleontologist? Do you, like, go on digs and stuff?
A: Yes, and Yes! As a professor at the U of Utah, I lead research teams that explore how animals lived together and built ecosystems long ago. I specialize in sea life from dinosaur times and older, and in the study of mass extinction events. My research teams and I go discover new fossils in North and South America; we use microscopes and computers and software to study how these animals lived and shaped their world.

Q: I plan to be a paleontologist, too. Can I major in Paleontology at the U of U?
A: Rad! We do NOT have a degree directly in paleontology, because academic and professional and academic paleontologists typically learn their special skills and research objectives in graduate school, after college, through an MS or PhD degree. In college, folks might major in Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Anthropology, Geography, or a variety of science disciplines. We offer several awesome paleontology classes at the U, and I encourage you to meet with me or Dr. Irmis to plan a course of study that takes advantage of our full offerings!

Q: I never thought about being a paleontologist, but I kind of like this class. Are there jobs that are kind of relevant?
A: YES! So many people work to shape our collective understanding of Earth's deep history. Teachers, illustrators, exhibits designers, fossil preparators, librarians, software engineers, statistical programmers, writers, playwrights - the list goes on! Your time at the U of U can absolutely prepare you for an awesome career steeped in the wonders of Earth's past and awesome fossils!

Q: I do NOT care about Paleontology. I just need credit for a science course. Do I have to get so dorky?
A: Absolutely, you are welcome to enjoy the class without dorking out severely! We hope everyone enjoys learning about our planet and how science works. Beyond that, paleontology is neat but not a critical life skill!

Q: Are you taking research students?
A: Usually, YES. Right now? Totally depends on how the U is functioning. We'll see!!

Q: How did you become a paleontologist? Like how did you choose that? It seems weird.
A: It IS weird! Honestly? My MOM is a paleontologist. And she just retired as a professor in 2018. Growing up, I thought both things - fossils and being a professor - were a total snooze fest. I dropped out of college at 19, lived on a ship teaching marine biology to teenagers in Hawai'i, and eventually ran back to school to get an education. I bounced around jobs building and painting theatrical sets, and teaching half-baked "adventure science" field trip courses for more teens, and eventually started having beers on a roof with marine biologists at a school in California. I applied to become a PhD student in paleontology there, and now I'm basically a time-traveling marine biologist. It's pretty cool.

Q: What do you like most about being a paleontologist?
A: Being confused all the time!

Q: What do you like least about being a paleontologist?
A: Being confused all the time!