Benjamin J. Burger

Benjamin J. Burger is an Associate Professor of Geology at Utah State University's Uintah Basin—Vernal Campus. He holds a PhD (2009) and BA (1997) in Geological Sciences from the University of Colorado, and an MS (1999) in Anatomical Sciences from Stony Brook University. His research focuses on early Cenozoic fossil mammals, Permian-Triassic mass extinction, Mesozoic studies, and science education. He conducts fieldwork in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, contributing to three Phanerozoic-era publications.

• Education: PhD 2009 (University of Colorado), MS 1999 (Stony Brook University), BA 1997 (University of Colorado)

His research integrates sedimentary geology, biostratigraphy, and paleobotany. Notable projects include relocating Colorado’s first dinosaur discovery site and analyzing Permian-Triassic boundary evidence in Utah. He actively engages in science communication through YouTube educational videos and authored a WikiBooks guide on Earth science.

Teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses in paleontology, stratigraphy, and earth systems. He mentors graduate students in geosciences and has taught over 20 courses since 2010, including Dinosaurs, Sedimentary Petrology, and Climate Change modules.

• Awards: None explicitly listed

His work bridges academic research and public outreach, emphasizing geology’s role in understanding Earth’s history and future challenges.