Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.

Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. is a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Geology at the University of Maryland and Director of the College Park Scholars - Science and Global Change Program. He holds adjunct roles in the Behavior, Ecology, Evolution, Systematics Program and is a Research Associate at the National Museum of Natural History's Department of Paleobiology. His research focuses on theropod dinosaurs, particularly tyrannosauroids, functional morphology, and Mesozoic paleobiogeography. Holtz has contributed over 100 publications, including works on dinosaur systematics and ecology. Notable awards include the 2019 Provost's Excellence Award. His educational efforts span undergraduate and graduate courses in paleontology, field studies, and science communication.

Education: Ph.D. (Yale University, 1992) and B.A. (Johns Hopkins University, 1987). Research interests emphasize tyrannosaurid niche assimilation, spinosaur ecology, and theropod locomotion. Recent work challenges taxonomic claims about Tyrannosaurus diversity and explores neural correlates of dinosaur cognition.

Awards and grants highlight his contributions to teaching and paleontological research. Holtz collaborates internationally, contributing to projects like the Complete Dinosaur reference and public outreach through media appearances and science communication.