Natalie Burzstyn, Bakersfield College earth science professor, lectured in the Fireside Room on Oct. 10 at the seventh Norman Levan Faculty Colloquium. Bursztyn’s lecture was titled, “Where did all the dinosaurs go?” The subject of the presentation was theories on the extinction of the dinosaurs.
This particular colloquium was to “honor her (Bursztyn) and her scholarly work,” as Michael McNellis, professor of philosophy and religion, put it.
The “Where did the dinosaurs go?” lecture was an extension of Bursztyn’s main thesis that she presented in a talk at Cal State Bakersfield last year.
Prior to Bursztyn starting her presentation, guests helped themselves to hors d’oeuvres such as mini-quiches, muffins and fruit. Bursztyn socialized with those in attendance while a piano was played for ambiance prior to her presentation.
“Natalie is both academically invested in her field and dedicated to her students,” Michael McNellis said in his introduction of Bursztyn. “We are honored to have her as one of our own.”
After her introduction, Bursztyn made her way to the lectern as the Indiana Jones’ theme was played on the piano. Bursztyn began her lecture with stories of her experiences in paleontology.
Bursztyn had spent time working at the Hell Creek Formation in Montana during which she had helped in the excavation of a Triceratops brain case. Bursztyn continued to talk of the transportation procedures of dinosaur fossils, which is done by using plaster jacket to ensure the fossil’s safety.
“Paleontology is definitely not glamorous,” Bursztyn said. “Not at all.”
After her stories of personal experience, Bursztyn then moved the lecture to the history of dinosaurs from the pre-Mesozoic era through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Bursztyn’s theory on the extinction of the dinosaurs was not in support of the well-known theory that the dinosaur’s extinction was caused by a meteor colliding with the Earth. Instead, Bursztyn said that it was climate change caused by the shifting of the Earth’s tectonic plates, which in turn created different vegetation for plant-eating dinosaurs to eat, which in turn created problems for the meat-eating dinosaurs.
“The dinosaurs did not disappear immediately,” Bursztyn said. “It was gradual.”
The lecture ended with applause and a standing ovation for Bursztyn. Nearly all in the packed Fireside Room were on their feet and clapping their hands in appreciation.