David Burnham

Oceans of Kansas

Bambiraptor

Feathered Dragons: Studies on the Transition from Dinosaurs to Birds

Paleontological Contributions

Bambiraptor feinbergi This species name feinbergi honors Ann and Michael Feinberg who helped ensure that these fossils would become part of our natural history. March 15, 2000.

The Life of the Planet

Continuing Education: GEOL 105 History of the Earth

Photograph © Copyright Lawrence Journal World

Curriculum Vitae

David Alan Burnham

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EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Ph. D., Geology, May, 2007
Paleoenvironment, Paleoecology, and Evolution of Maniraptoran “Dinosaurs”
Co-advisors: Larry D. Martin, Roger L. Kaesler, Stephen T. Hasiotis,
Committee: Thomas N. Taylor, Anthony W. Walton.

University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Masters of Science, Geology, May 1991
A New Mosasaur from the Upper Demopolis Formation of Sumter County Alabama
Committee: Kraig L. Derstler, William C. Craig, Peter L. Larson.

University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Bachelor of Science, Geology, May 1987

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1. Present Position:

KU Natural History Museum, Lawrence, KS
1998 to present: State Paleontologist
Vertebrate Paleontology Preparator and Laboratory Supervisor

2. Special Projects:

• Archaeopteryx skeletal casts of London-sized specimen mounted in various poses.
  
• Transfer preparation and mounted skeletal cast of Ichthyornis.
  
• Bambiraptor skeletal casts mounted in situ and in various poses.
  
• Supervise preparation and mounting of Camarasaurus skeleton.
  
• Transfer preparation of Liaoning Microraptor resulting in skeletal and life models and flying prototypes.
  
• Preparation of Dolichorhynchops skull and skeleton (used in National Geographic’s Sea Monsters).
  
• Confuciusornis transfer preparation.
  
• “Pompeii” bird transfer preparation.
  
• Smilodon preparation, molding and casting
  
• Dinofest 2000 Chicago Navy Pier – KU exhibit of camarasaurs and trackway.
  
• Preparation, mounting, casting and description of Bambiraptor feinbergi.
  
• Natural History Museum & Biodiversity Research Center “The Life of the Planet” web page video:     http://www.nhm.ku.edu/Hdocs/LOTP/master.html
  
• Panel mount of a Dodo skeleton.
  
• Mold and Cast “Devil’s Corkscrew” exhibits.
  
• Mount pterosaur cast skeleton in Visitor Center at KU.

3. Lab Experience:

• Macro- and Micropreparation of vertebrate and invertebrate fossils.
  
• Molding and casting fossil specimens in pressurized system.
  
• Organize field crews, equipment and supplies for reconnaissance and excavation.
  
• Transfer preparation of fossil vertebrates in plastic media.
  
• Mounting of fossil skeletons.
  
• Reconstruction of life models.
  
• X-ray and CT scanning of vertebrate fossils.
  
• Digital photography

4. Teaching Experience

• The University of Kansas Continuing Education Instructor: History of the Earth course (Geol 105).
  
• Historical Geology – assist Dr. S. Hasiotis, KU Dept. of Geology.
  
• Dinosaur Biology, Lower and Higher Vertebrates, Vertebrate Paleontology – guest lecture and substitute for Dr. L. Martin.

5. Past Positions in Related Fields:

Florida Institute of Paleontology, Dania Beach, FL (defunct)
1999 to 2005
Adjunct Curator

Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Hill City, South Dakota
1991 to 1994
Curator of Fossil Reptiles

Louisiana Nature and Science Center, Dinamation Exhibits, New Orleans, LA
1988 to 1989 (two different venues)
Staff Paleontologist and Exhibit Manager

University of New Orleans, Dept. Geology, New Orleans, LA.
1984-1991
Vertebrate Paleontology Lab Preparator
Undergraduate and Graduate Teaching Assistant
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RESEARCH EXPEDITIONS

• Reconnaissance to locate vertebrate fossils in Selma Chalk, Alabama and Pierre Shale Formation, Wyoming.
  
• Mosasaur, Plesiosaur, Fish, and Turtle excavations in Selma Chalk and Pierre Shale Formation.
  
• Summer fieldwork collecting microsite material in Big Bend, Texas.
  
• Edmontosaurus bone bed excavation in Hell Creek Formation, South Dakota.
  
• Tyrannosaurus rex ("Stan") excavation in Hell Creek Formation, South Dakota.
  
• Triceratops horridus excavations in Hell Creek Formation, North Dakota and South Dakota.
  
• White River Formation vertebrate fossil excavations in Wyoming and Nebraska.
  
• Excavate diplodocid and dryosaurid dinosaur skeletons, Morrison Formation, Wyoming.
  
• Reconnaissance in Hell Creek Formation, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana.
  
• Lightening Creek Reconnaissance to locate 1895 KUVP field site in the White River Oligocene of Wyoming.

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COMMITTEES

2004 Science City Task Force Committee

• DinoLab public exhibit in Union Station for the purpose of mounted a cast skeleton of Camarasaurus.
  

Burnham, D. 2008. (In Press) A review of the Early Cretaceous Jehol Group and a New Paradigm for the Origin of Flight. Oryctos.
Burnham, D. 2008. Book review: Glorified Dinosaurs. PALAIOS.
Burnham, D. 2007. Archaeopteryx – a Re-evaluation Suggesting an Arboreal Habitat and an Intermediate Stage in Trees Down Origin of Flight. Neus Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie, Abhandlungen.
Burnham, D. 2004. New Information on Bambiraptor feinbergi (Theropoda: Dromaeosuaridae) from the Late Cretaceous of Montana; pp. 67-111; in: P. Currie, E. Koppelhus, M. Shugar and J. Wright. (eds.) Feathered Dragons. Indiana University Press, Bloomington.
Burnham, D., Derstler, K. Currie, P., Bakker, R., Zhou, Z. and Ostrom, J. 2000. Remarkable New Birdlike Dinosaur (Theropoda: Maniraptora) from the Upper Cretaceous of Montana. The University of Kansas Paleontological Contributions, No. 13, 14 pp.
Lim, Jong-Deock, Martin, L. and Burnham, D. 1999. Collecting Dinosaurs and Preparation Techniques. Proceedings from the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies. p 556-559.
Burnham, David A., Derstler, K. L., and Linster, Cliff J., 1997. A New Specimen of Velociraptor (Dinosauria, Theropoda) from the Two Medicine Formation of Montana. Dinofest International Proceedings. Academy of Natural Sciences. Philadelphia. p 73-75.
Garstka, W. and Burnham, D. 1997. Posture and Stance of Triceratops: Evidence of Digitigrade Manus and Cantilever Vertebral Column. Dinofest International Proceedings. Academy of Natural Sciences. Philadelphia. p 385-391.

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ABSTRACTS AND SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS

Martin, L. and Burnham, D. 2008. Predatory Behavior in a Four-Winged Dinosaur-like Bird. Abstracts of the 140th annual meeting of the Kansas Academy of Science, Emporia, Kansas, March 28-29. Transactions of the KAS, vol. 111 (in press).
Burnham, D. 2007. Lasting Impressions–Soft-Bodied Molds of Articulated Vertebrate Fossils. GSA Abstracts with Programs. p. 18, vol. 39 (3).
Burnham, D. 2007. The Archaeopteryx-like stage in the Trees Down Origin of Flight Paradigm. Abstracts of the 139th annual meeting of the Kansas Academy of Science, Salina, Kansas, April 13-14. Transactions of the KAS, vol. 110, no. 3/4.
Burnham, D. 2006. Microraptor versus Bambiraptor and the Transition to Terrestriality. Abstracts of the Second International Palaeontological Congress, Peking University, Beijing.
Burnham, D. 2006. Functional Inference from Taphonomic Evidence. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, vol. 109 (3).
Burnham, D. and Hines, C. 2005. Transfer Preparation of an Ichthyornis Specimen from the Niobrara Formation, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, vol. 25, no. 3 (suppl.).
Burnham, D. 2005. Comparison of the Tarsus and Pes in the Dromaeosaurs Bambiraptor and Microraptor. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science. Vol. (24), abstracts.
Burnham, D. 2005. The Paleoecology of Archaeopteryx –– a Re-evaluation. Zitteliana 26, Abstracts and Field Guide. Eichstätt, Germany.
Burnham, D. 2004. Pyroclastic Lagerstätten in Mesozoic Sediments of Northeastern China. Sixth International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution, Quillan, France.
Burnham, D., Martin, L., and Walton, A. 2003. Unusual Preservation Even for a Liaoning Bird. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (3): 47A, Suppl.
Burnham, D. 2003. A New Mosasaur from the Interior Seaway. Abstracts, Kansas Academy of Science (22) abstracts.
Martin, L., Burnham, D., Lim, J-D. 2002. The New and Improved Sauropod. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (3): 46A, Suppl.
Burnham, D. and Martin, L. 2002. Why Little Dinosaurs Have Big Brains. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (3): 46A, Suppl.
Burnham, D. and Green, M. 2002. Old Wounds and a New Name for the Bunker Mosasaur. 2002. Kansas Academy of Science (21) abstracts.
Martin, L., Burnham, D., Swearingen, T., Maltese, A., and Lim, J-D. 2001. How to Mount a Dinosaur in a Compact Space. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (3): 45A, Suppl.
Burnham, D. 2000. A Comparison of the Carpal Bones Between Theropods and Birds. 5th International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution and the Symposium on Jehol Biota. Abstracts. Vertebrata PalAsiatica vol. 38. suppl.
Derstler, K. and Burnham, D. 2000. Phylogenetic Relationship Between Bambiraptor, Early Birds, and other Theropods. 5th International Meeting of the Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution and the Symposium on Jehol Biota. Abstracts. Vertebrata PalAsiatica vol. 38. suppl.
Burnham, D. and Derstler, D. 2000. Bambiraptor feinbergi (Dinosauria, Theropoda, Dromaeosauridae). The Florida Symposium on Dinosaur Bird Evolution. Publications in Paleontology No. 2, Graves Museum of Archaeology and Natural History. Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Burnham, D. and Zhou, Z. 1999. Comparing the Furcula in Dinosaurs and Birds. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (3): 43A, Suppl.
Burnham, D. 1996. Dinosaur seeks Museum Position. Fossil News vol. 2 (3), pp.10-11.
Burnham, D 1992. “Sue” and the Protection of Fossil Resources. Nov.-Dec. Geology Today. p. 206-209.
Burnham D. and Derstler, K. 1991. Co-occurrence of Two Species of Plioplatecarpus. (Squamata, Mosasauridae). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Abstracts of Papers. Vol. 11 (3).
Derstler K. and Burnham D. 1991. The Framework of Mosasaurid Phylogeny (Squamata, Mosasauridae) Showing that Tylosaurines Evolved from Mosasaurines. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Abstracts of Papers. Vol. 11 (3).
Burnham, D. 1990. A New Mosasaur from the Upper Demopolis Formation of Sumter County, Alabama. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Abstracts of Papers, Vol. 10 (3).
Burnham, D. and Derstler, K. 1987. The mosasaur Prognathodon from the Upper Demopolis Formation of Alabama. Alabama Academy of Sciences, vol. 58.

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PROJECTS UNDERWAY

• The Squat Factor, Bruce M. Rothschild, Larry D. Martin, David A. Burnham, and Kenneth S. Bader (near submission).
  
• Untitled Microraptor manuscript, Gong et al.
  
• A New Species of Tylosaurus from the Pierre Shale (Campanian) of Western Kansas. David Burnham, Morton Green, Gaylord Throckmorton
  
• A New Species of Plioplatecarpus from the Gulf Coast, David Burnham.
  
• Dinosaur Biology course for KU Continuing Education (under development).

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PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

2007 46th Annual Gem and Mineral Show. Kansas City Association of Earth Science Clubs, Inc. of Greater Kansas City, March 9, 10, & 11:
         The Natural History and Evolution of Flight; The Natural History of Flight.
2007 46th Annual Gem and Mineral Show. Kansas City Association of Earth Science Clubs, Inc. of Greater Kansas City, March 9, 10, & 11: Mesozoic Skies over China.
2006 Kansas City Assoc. of Earth Science Clubs: Origins of birds and their flight.
2005 Kansas City Assoc. of Earth Science Clubs: Rock to Raptor.
1998 Tate Geological Museum Conference "Life in the Cretaceous": Rock to Raptor: An Examination of Techniques Used to Prepare a Meat-eating Dinosaur Not Much
         Larger than Your Thanksgiving Day Turkey.
1997 White River Formation summer field course, Tate Museum, Casper College.
1996 Black Hills Museum Natural History Days: Raptors have Teeth.
1995 Tucson Fossil Show guest speaker: Dinosaurs.
1994 Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Show: Mosasaurs of South Dakota and Tyrannosaurus rex traveling exhibit program.
1993 Tate Museum speaker: Marine Reptiles of Wyoming.

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PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

2008 NOVA “The Four-Winged Dinosaur” (producer Mark Davis).
2007 “What on Earth? Rocks, Fossils and Meteorites” KU Natural History Museum.
2007 History Channel – KUVP lab filmed for “Jurassic Fight Club”.
2007 Voice Over America interview for Megaraptor discovery.
2007 Interview (D. Burnham) for AnimaLIFE magazine article -“Blast From the Past”.
2007 Darwin Day at the KU Museum of Natural History: KU Vertebrate Paleontology and the Orient: Mesozoic Birds over China by David Burnham and Larry Martin.
2006 National Geographic – lab filmed for “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure”.
2001 Discovery Channel Prehistoric Worlds: Backyard Discoveries.
1998 – 2007 Oversee and supervise volunteer program in the KUVP Lab.
1998 – 2007 Provide annual exhibits for Kansas Gem Show.
1998 – 2007 High School Shadow program.
1998 – 2007 KUVP lab tours as requested for visitors and dignitaries.
1998 – 2007 Fossil and rock identification for visitors.
1998 – 2007 Respond to inquiries about fossils (and pseudofossils) from the general public.
2004 – 2007 Provide exhibits for Kansas State Fair – “Kansas Citizens for Science”.
1998 New Dominion Pictures: Dinosaurs Inside & Out. “Killer Elite” The New York Festivals - Finalist Award, Omni Intermedia Award, Aurora-Platinum Best of Show.
1992 Northern Plains Governor’s Conference: Fossils for the Future – participant.

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GRANTS, HONORS AND AWARDS

2006 Panorama Society Grant to attend International Paleontological Congress, Beijing, China – $700
2006 University of Kansas, Geology Department, Summer Grant - $1,500
2006 Wiederman Fund – study Archaeopteryx, Solnhofen conference $2,500
2006 Kansas Academy of Science, 2nd place Ph.D. oral presentation - $50
2005 Kansas Academy of Science, 2nd Place Ph.D. oral presentation - $50
2001 Best of Class, Bambiraptor.com Web Site, South Dakota Addy Awards
1995 Black Hills Museum of Natural History Award, Hill City, South Dakota
1989 Chevron Grant – Mosasaur study at the Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles Brussels, Belgium - $1,000.

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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP)
Society of Avian Paleontology and Evolution (SAPE)
Geological Society of America (GSA)
Sigma Xi
Sigma Gamma Epsilon (SGE)
Kansas Academy of Science (KAS)
Alabama Academy of Science (AAS)
American Film Institute (AFI)

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EDITORIAL ACTIVITIES

Shark Bitten Dinosaur (Hadrosauridae) Vertebrae from the Smoky Hill Chalk (Upper Coniacian) of Western Kansas. M. Everhart and K. Ewell. 2005. Kansas Academy of Science Transactions – anonymous reviewer.
Tiptoeing tyrants? A Simple Test of the Ostrich model of Dinosaurian Toe Posture. 2007. Journal of Zoology: reviewer.
The Trace-Fossil Record of Vertebrates. 2007. S. Hasiotis, B. Platte, D. Humbree, M. Everhart. Elsevier book Chapter 12: reviewer.
Insect Trace Fossils on Dinosaur Bones from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation, Northeastern Wyoming, and their Use in Vertebrate Taphonomy. 2007. K. Bader, University of Kansas, M.S. Geology Thesis: reviewer for the methods section.