Liz Freedman Fowler

Dr. Liz Freedman Fowler is the Faculty Senate Dean and an Assistant Professor of Biological and Earth Sciences at Dickinson State University's School of Applied Sciences. Her research focuses on dinosaur paleontology, particularly the evolution and ecology of ceratopsians, hadrosaurs, and theropods. She has conducted extensive work on North American and Mongolian Cretaceous formations, exploring topics such as stratigraphic correlations, ontogenetic morphology, and predatory behavior. Her academic roles include administrative leadership and undergraduate teaching in biological and earth sciences.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Earth Science, Montana State University
  • B.A. in Geoscience, Franklin and Marshall College

Her research interests emphasize understanding dinosaur evolution through stratigraphic and morphological analyses. Key areas include transitional evolutionary forms in ceratopsids, functional morphology of predatory dinosaurs, and population biology of herbivorous dinosaurs like Maiasaura. She has contributed to reevaluations of taxonomic misidentifications and explored the origins of avian flight through studies of Deinonychus.

Her publications analyze Cretaceous ecosystems, including studies on the Judith River and Hell Creek formations. They highlight trends in dinosaur diversity, predatory adaptations, and the interplay between morphology and ecological roles.

Dr. Freedman Fowler’s work integrates field paleontology with statistical methodologies, advancing our understanding of Mesozoic vertebrate communities. She actively engages in paleontological outreach and undergraduate research mentorship.