Adiël Klompmaker

Adiël Klompmaker is a Researcher and Curator of Paleontology at the Department of Museum Research & Collections, University of Alabama, affiliated with the Alabama Museum of Natural History. He holds a PhD from Kent State University (2012) and MS from Utrecht University (2006), with postdoctoral training at the University of California Berkeley (2015–2019) and University of Florida (2012–2015). His research focuses on invertebrate paleontology, particularly biotic interactions (predation, parasitism) in marine ecosystems and crustacean evolution. He has published ~80 articles and supervised over 15 students. Klompmaker serves as Associate Editor for Paleobiology and Associate Guest Editor for Journal of Paleontology. He curates the UA Museums paleontology collection and manages the Harrell Station Paleontological Site. Teaching includes courses like Paleontology & Society, and he actively engages in public outreach and fossil identification services.

Education:

• PhD, Kent State University, Geology (2012)
• MS, Utrecht University, Earth Sciences (2006)
• Postdoctoral Scholar, UC Berkeley, Integrative Biology (2015–2019)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Florida, Geological Sciences (2012–2015)

Research Interests: Klompmaker investigates predator-prey dynamics, parasitism in marine invertebrates, and crustacean evolution. He employs experimental taphonomy, fossil morphology, and paleontological data to understand ecosystem changes over geological time. Key topics include Cretaceous reef ecosystems, Mesozoic decapod diversification, and the fossil record of predation adaptations.

Publications & Media: His work has been featured in Science, Geology, and Earth-Science Reviews. Media highlights include discoveries on octopus predation, coral-associated crustaceans, and parasitic infestations in fossil arthropods.

Grants & Advising: Klompmaker oversees the Paleontology Collection Enhancement Fund for collection support. He actively mentors students and collaborates on projects involving fossil curation, experimental taphonomy, and digitization efforts.

Labs & Teams: Leads curation efforts at UA Museums and manages Harrell Station, a key site for public fossil education and fieldwork.