Paul Ullmann

Paul Ullmann is an Assistant Professor in the School of Geology & Geological Engineering at the University of North Dakota, specializing in vertebrate paleontology, taphonomy, and molecular preservation in fossils. His research integrates molecular biology, geochemistry, and traditional paleontology to investigate bone fossilization mechanics and biomolecular preservation pathways in ancient vertebrate remains.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Biology from Drexel University (2015), where he was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, followed by postdoctoral training at Rowan University (2015-2017). He earned his B.S. in Earth Sciences from Montana State University (2008), receiving the Top Senior in Geology Award and Dr. C.C. Bradley Memorial Scholarship.

Dr. Ullmann's research focuses on experimental taphonomy and geochemical analysis to understand soft tissue preservation mechanisms. He conducts actualistic tests on collagen degradation, rare earth element profiling, and microstratigraphic studies of fossil sites like Edelman Fossil Park. His work bridges molecular biology with traditional paleontology to explore how proteins persist in fossils across geological time scales.

His publication trends reveal strong interdisciplinary integration, with recent work emphasizing statistical meta-analyses of preservation controls, experimental validation of biomolecular proxies, and detailed studies of Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary fossils. Research spans diverse formations including the White River Group, Hornerstown Formation, and Hell Creek Formation.

Scientific recognition includes:

• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
• Provost’s Fellowship (Drexel University)
• Top Senior in Geology Award (Montana State University)
• Dr. C.C. Bradley Memorial Scholarship (Montana State University)

He mentors students through research courses (GEOL 487/488) and secured significant funding including an NSF GEOPAths award ($179,992) as CoPI and NSF MRI grant ($144,389) for instrumentation. His research team collaborates extensively at Edelman Fossil Park and other North American sites.

Dr. Ullmann leads field and laboratory efforts at Edelman Fossil Park, conducting microstratigraphic analyses of K/Pg boundary fossils and rare earth element testing. His lab integrates fieldwork with advanced geochemical techniques to investigate preservation pathways across diverse sedimentary environments.