Sam Heads

Sam Heads is an Associate Research Scientist in Paleontology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Illinois Natural History Survey and the Lemann Center for Brazilian Studies. He holds Affiliate Professor roles in the Departments of Entomology, Geology, and the Lemann Center. His primary research focuses on the paleontology, systematics, and evolutionary history of terrestrial arthropods, particularly insects like Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets).

Education: PhD in Palaeontology (University of Portsmouth, UK, 2009); BSc (Hons) in Palaeobiology & Evolution (University of Portsmouth, UK, 2004).

Research Interests: Heads explores the evolution of terrestrial arthropods, emphasizing fossil insects from the Cretaceous to the Miocene. His work includes studying preservation mechanisms in amber and sedimentary deposits, with a focus on Orthoptera, lacewings, and other insect groups. His research bridges paleontology, entomology, and evolutionary biology, contributing to understanding ancient ecosystems and biodiversity.

Publications & Trends: His recent articles highlight discoveries of new fossil insect species (e.g., pygmy grasshoppers in Baltic amber, katydids with preserved internal organs), advancing knowledge of insect evolution and preservation. His work often integrates field studies, taxonomic revisions, and molecular phylogenetics.

Awards: Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (FLS).

Advising & Grants: Heads co-leads the Prairie Research Institute Committee on Collections and chairs the Illinois Natural History Survey Biological Collections Committee. He has secured grants for collaborative research on Brazilian biota and global paleontological projects.

Labs/Teams: Director & Curator-in-Charge of the Illinois Center for Paleontology, fostering interdisciplinary research in paleontology and biodiversity conservation.