Paul C. Murphey, Ph.D., President
Principal Investigator & Paleontologist
Dr. Murphey has over 30 years of experience as a Principal Investigator for paleontological resource impact mitigation projects. His work spans a wide range of sectors, including:
- Interstate pipelines and transmission lines
- Well fields, solar, and wind farm projects
- Highways, railroads, and 3D geophysical investigations
- Residential and commercial development
- NEPA and resource management analyses for BLM, USFS, and NPS lands
In addition to his consulting work, Dr. Murphey holds multiple research appointments:
- Research Associate, Department of Earth Sciences, Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Research Associate, Department of Paleontology, San Diego Natural History Museum
- Research Associate, Morrison Natural History Museum
- Science Director, Moab Giants Museum
- Program Director, Alaska Paleontology Field School at the Institute of Field Research
Research and Innovation
Dr. Murphey’s current research focuses on:
- Paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental change during the Eocene (NSF Award #2011698)
- Evolutionary patterns in vertebrates
- Paleoenvironmental implications of Mesozoic vertebrate trackways
- Applying machine learning to identify dinosaur tracks
- Advancing the use of uncrewed aerial systems and photogrammetry in paleontology
Leadership in Industry Standards
Dr. Murphey co-authored the first comprehensive best practices for the mitigation paleontology industry. These guidelines later informed globally applicable standards adopted by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology.
Legacy and Reputation
Throughout his career, Dr. Murphey has led projects resulting in the recovery and museum curation of thousands of scientifically important fossils. He is widely respected by the BLM, USFS, state agencies, regional museums, and the environmental consulting industry for his scientific integrity and deep passion for the fossil record.