Rodney Feldmann

I received my PhD from the University of North Dakota in 1967 and was on the active faculty at Kent from 1965 until my retirement.  I continue to teach graduate-level courses in paleontology, direct graduate students in that area, and conduct grant-funded research.  I have conducted field and museum research concentrating on fossil crabs, lobsters, and shrimp since before coming to Kent.  This work has taken me to many international sites, including Antarctica, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and the countries of western, central and eastern Europe.  This work is frequently conducted in collaboration with students and with Dr. Carrie Schweitzer.

Paleontology is the most exciting subject I can think of, and the most enjoyable part of teaching in paleontology is conveying that excitement to students by guiding them through the research process.  Asking, and answering, questions through the research process is the essence of education. I am very interested in working with students on research in the area of paleontology and, particularly, in helping to prepare them for professional careers as paleontologists.

I have concentrated on the systematics, evolution, ecology, and biogeography of fossil decapod crustaceans, but have also worked with other arthropod groups including phyllocarids, isopods, and horseshoe crabs.