FOUNDER

Walter has been studying dinosaurs and promoting Earth science education since 1996. He is the owner and founder of PaleoAdventures LLC, as well as a current board member with the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences. He is the former curator at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, Collections manager for Triebold Paleontology Inc, has written numerous scientific papers, including two books and has sat on multiple museum and Fossil Society boards over the last 25 years.

FOUNDER

Heather has been working in paleontology as a fossil preparator and restorationist since 2005. She has worked on dozens of marine reptile and dinosaur skeletons over this time. She is the co-founder of PaleoAdventures

PRESIDENT

Heather Aziz is a research neuroscientist with UT Austin, a paleo-technician, and fossil enthusiast with a passion for bridging the gap between science and the community. Heather serves as the current Vice President and Show Chair for the Paleontological Society of Austin. Heather holds both a BSc and MSc in animal science with additional coursework in Geology and Paleobiology, which has allowed her to connect her expertise in animal science with the fascinating world of paleontology. She is committed to further our mission of fostering scientific curiosity and education to inspire the next generation of paleontologists.

VICE PRESIDENT

Shannon is a professional mechanical engineer, paleo-technician, avocational fossil hunter and is the proud father of two budding young paleontologists. He has excavated fossils from Florida to South Dakota and enjoys spending the long South Dakota winters inside carefully preparing his amazing discoveries. Shannon argues that paleontology is a great way to get kids (and adults) interested in STEAM education and develop skills that can be applied to many currently in-demand career paths.

TREASURER

David Muddiman is a CPA and the owner of Summit Consulting International LLC and has over 33 years of advising corporations and individuals regarding accounting, tax and financial planning issues. Specialties include corporate and individual income tax, financing and management consulting. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors and as the Treasurer for three 501(c)(3) charities (The Richmond Volleyball Club, The Butz Foundation and the Chelonian Research Institute). His son is a future paleontologist and they both have been avocational fossil hunters for over a decade.

SECRETARY

David Howe is the owner and founder of T-Rexplorers an Illinois-based, educational company dedicated to helping inspire kids, through paleontology, to follow their dreams. David has been a fossil hunter and advocational paleontologist for the last two decades, making numerous discoveries of note. David has been a guide for PaleoAdventures for over 10 years.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Jennifer Viele is an experienced avocational fossil hunter who has been participating in summer dinosaur digs in South Dakota since 2017. She has been a PaleoAdventures guide since 2019 and enjoys both field excavation and fossil preparation. During the rest of the year, Jennifer is an award-winning 1st grade teacher with over 24 years experience, teaching all subjects with strong interests in science, fossils, and Earth's ancient past. She is an inspiration to children and adults alike.