Rebecca Freeman

Rebecca Freeman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences at the University of Kentucky, housed within the College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on Paleozoic stratigraphy, carbonate petrology, and taphonomic processes in Ordovician and Cambrian systems. She investigates topics such as extinction events, phosphatic microfossil preservation, and brachiopod paleoecology. Dr. Freeman is also deeply engaged in geoscience education, particularly in K-12 outreach and STEM recruitment strategies. She serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology and teaches courses like EES 130: Dinosaurs & Disasters. Her work integrates field-based research with educational initiatives to promote geoscience awareness.

• Research Interests: Taphonomy, Ordovician-Cambrian transitions, brachiopod ecology, and geoscience education
• Affiliations: Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Sedimentary Geology Group
• Podcast Contributions: Hosted episodes discussing brachiopod research and undergraduate recruitment

Her recent studies explore taphonomic feedback mechanisms in Cincinnatian shell beds and the role of phosphogenesis in microfossil accumulation. She has pioneered cross-cultural educational projects like the WIIKY initiative, linking Kentucky and Indian high schools through water quality studies.