CASSI KNIGHT FOR OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE 2025 AMMP BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION 

Fossil Preparator, Museum of the Rockies

Background:

My 15 years of experience in Paleontology has included academic research focused in the field of Paleobotany. I have performed field work, data management, and fossil preparation for the National Park Service at Florissant Fossil Beds, Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Denali, and John Day Fossil Beds. This afforded me the opportunity to work with a large variety of fossil material, field collection methods, and lab techniques.

I have been attending AMMP conferences since 2017 and have served on the Board as Member at Large for a year. This has given me a good understanding of the mission and overall goals of AMMP, what types of resources would be useful to members, and how to work towards making those resources accessible.

Reason for running:

If elected Vice President, I want to continue the work being done by the Board to provide information on preparation techniques and best practices in an effort to promote quality professional work and better lab safety. I also want to work with the Board Members to enhance communication with the current membership to better understand how we can improve as an organization and better serve the needs of the Preparation community. 

 

SHANE TUCKER FOR OFFICE OF TREASURER FOR THE 2025 AMMP BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

Highway Paleontologist, University of Nebraska State Museum

Background:

I studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln earning a B.S. degree with Distinction in Geology with minors in Math and Biology (1997) and a M.S. degree in Geosciences with a vertebrate paleontology focus (2004). As an undergraduate student, I spent two years working as a curatorial assistant in the Vertebrate Paleontology collection at the University of Nebraska State Museum and two field seasons as an intern at Ashfall Fossil Beds. As a graduate student, I continued working in the VP research collection but also had summer internships with the Nebraska Geological Survey and Highway Paleontology Program. I served 7 years as the preparator for the Highway Program before transitioning into the Paleontologist role which I have held since 2007. I have served as the AMMP treasurer for the past two terms.

Reason for running:

AMMP and the earlier Fossil Preparation and Collections Symposia contributed greatly to my growth as a museum professional. Workshops, presentations, and discussions with fellow museum professionals provided different perspectives, techniques, and materials that could be used in our collection ensuring that specimens are preserved for future stakeholders. Serving as a board member, I will promote the mission of the organization, help it grow, and continue to provide opportunities to share the knowledge learned from colleagues with the next generation of museum professionals.

We have four candidates for the position of Member at Large 2

EVAN TAMEZ-GALVAN FOR OFFICE OF MEMBER-AT-LARGE 2 FOR THE 2025 AMMP BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

Fossil Preparator, Denver Museum of Nature and Science 

Background:

Hi, I’m Evan Tamez-Galvan! I’ve always wanted to work in paleontology and now I’m so happy to have made it into the field. I earned my bachelor’s degree in geology in the summer of 2021 at Mercyhurst University where I also minored in biology and French. In the fall of 2021, I became a lab intern at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where I learned to properly collect, prepare, and store fossils. I now work full-time at DMNS with an exceptional team of volunteers and interns to prepare and surface scan Jurassic sauropods from the Morrison Formation in Colorado and Wyoming.

Reason for running:

I am running for Member-at-Large 2 because I feel very passionate about the role that AMMP plays in the lives of those in paleontology and I believe the skills I have honed during my time at DMNS will make me an asset in this position. I am committed to standing up for and representing the best interests of the membership in front of the Board of Directors because I believe the members are what make AMMP such a wonderful organization. AMMP has made me feel like I belong, and I want every member to feel that they belong and play an integral part in our diverse and vibrant association.

 

CHRISTINA LUTZ FOR OFFICE OF MEMBER-AT-LARGE 2 FOR THE 2025 AMMP BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

Fossil Preparator & Museum Professional 

Background:

Christina Lutz is a Fossil Preparator with a passion for paleontology, the arts, and mentorship. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Tufts University, School of the Museum of Fine Arts, where she honed her artistic skills alongside a growing fascination with natural history. Her career began at the La Brea Tar Pits, where she worked on Project 23, excavating and preparing thousands of Pleistocene fossils from asphaltic deposits. She later joined the Yale Peabody Museum, contributing to its extensive renovation project alongside renowned preparator Marilyn Fox. Specializing in molding, casting, cleaning, and reconstructing specimens, she applies innovative techniques to enhance fossil preservation, research, and display. Christina takes great pride in working as part of a team and mentoring volunteers in fossil preparation. Through hands-on training, she has helped equip individuals with the technical skills and confidence necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field. Her dedication to fostering learning environments has strengthened professional and volunteer communities alike.

Reason for running:

As a candidate for Member-at-Large on the Association of Materials and Methods in Paleontology (AMMP) board, Christina is eager to serve the organization by supporting its committees, advocating for its members, and working to further the mission of advancing preparation methods. She is committed to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and growing an inclusive community where preparators, volunteers, and students alike feel supported and valued. With a background that bridges both art and science, Christina brings a unique perspective to problem-solving and innovation in fossil preparation. By serving on the AMMP board, she hopes to help strengthen the network of professionals dedicated to the highest standards in fossil preparation, ensuring that best practices continue to evolve for the benefit of the members of the AMMP community.

SHAWN HAUGRUD FOR OFFICE OF MEMBER-AT-LARGE 2 FOR THE 2025 AMMP BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

Lab & Field Manager, East Tennessee State University

Background:

Shawn Haugrud began work in museums at the age of 16, as a volunteer in a prep lab affiliated with Shenandoah University focusing on late Cretaceous specimens. He currently works for East Tennessee State University as the lab and field manager at the Gray Fossil Site and Museum. He has worked at GFS since 2005 in a number of field excavation and fossil preparations roles over the years, becoming lab and field manager in 2016. In his time at GFS, he has examined and adapted various techniques to meet the specific requirements of the fossil site, as well as researching and developing new techniques and material usages. Shawn attended his first AMMP meeting in 2018 in Lincoln Nebraska and was inspired by the Association’s mission and commitment to learning and use of best practices.

Reason for running:

If elected to the position of Member-at-Large 2, Shawn would be honored to serve this group by working with the membership and board to advance the goals of the Association into the future.

KELLY LUBBERS FOR OFFICE OF MEMBER-AT-LARGE 2 FOR THE 2025 AMMP BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

Head of Collections and Conservation, Mammoth Site of Hot Springs

Background:

Kelly Lubbers is the Head of Collections and Conservation at the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD. Her role is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Division of Research in managing the in-situ bonebed, collections, fossil preparation staff, volunteers, interns, and the Ice Age Explorers Program. Prior to her current position, Kelly obtained her B.S, in Geology from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and M.S. in Geosciences from East Tennessee State University and has worked at various museums and institutions including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C., Gray Fossil Site in Tennessee, and John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon. Her paleontological experience ranges from field work, fossil preparation, collections management, education and outreach, to research.

Reason for running:

Kelly is interested in serving on the AMMP Board of Directors as Member-at-Large 2 as it would be a great opportunity to give back to AMMP and assist in its continued advancement through an administrative role. She feels that with her previous experience, she would be a well-rounded representative for the general membership of the organization.