Emma C. Rainforth

Dr. Emma C. Rainforth is an Associate Professor of Environmental Science/Geology at Ramapo College of New Jersey's School of Theoretical and Applied Science, where she has taught since 2003. She holds adjunct positions at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and the New Jersey State Museum. Her educational background includes a BA/MA from the University of Oxford, an MS from the University of Colorado Boulder, and an M.Phil/PhD from Columbia University.

Her research explores vertebrate paleontology with emphases on:

• Taxonomy and nomenclature of Late Triassic/Early Jurassic fossil footprints
• Paleoclimate and biogeography of the Newark Supergroup
• Ichnological analysis of dinosaur trackways and paleoenvironments

Her publications demonstrate sustained focus on Mesozoic fossil records, with recurring themes in ichnotaxonomy, stratigraphic correlation, and extinction events. She mentors students in field-based projects, including dinosaur speed estimation and fossil trackmaker identification.

Awards & Leadership:

• Thomases Award for Outstanding Faculty (2009)
• Director, Sharp Sustainability Education Center
• Chair, Climate Commitment Task Force (carbon-neutrality initiative)
• Treasurer, Geological Association of New Jersey