David Schmidt

David Schmidt is an Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Westminster College, where he has taught courses including Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Paleontology, and Geosciences since 2013. He holds a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University (2009), an M.S. from Fort Hays State University (2002), and a B.S. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (1999).

His research integrates paleontology, sedimentology, and geochemistry to study fossil organisms and their environments. Key focus areas include taphonomy, vertebrate/invertebrate taxonomy, and paleoclimatic reconstructions using stable isotopes. He leads field excavations (e.g., a Triceratops project) and mentors undergraduate researchers in hands-on fossil analysis.

Schmidt serves as faculty sponsor for the student organization Search & Discovery and holds committee appointments including Faculty Personnel, Ethics in Research, and Green Council. He oversees the college’s paleontological collections and collaborates with volunteer fossil preparators.