BU adds raptor to science gallery

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/09/2010 (5591 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This fall, a new resident will be settling in at Brandon University.

Though it has not taken a breath in more than 75 million years, the dromaeosaurus — a small raptorial predator — whose bones have been replicated for this permanent display, will be put together for students, faculty and the public to behold.

Measuring one metre in height and one and a half metres long, the skeleton will be assembled in the Brodie Science Building by staff members from the Royal Tyrrell Museum, located in Drumheller, Alta.

It is a gift from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba.

"The association likes to work with educational institutions that train engineers and geologists. One of their commitments is to return to the universities some of the members’ fees in order to help promote the profession of geoscience and to make people aware of its governing body," said Prof. Hamid Mumin of the BU geology department. "They came to us and said they’d like to make a donation to the department."

A geo-science gallery was proposed, accepted and three large glass cabinets have been built. This will be located on the second floor of the Brodie Building, within the geology department. A collection of rocks and minerals has already been set up in the gallery.

"This project has inspired others to collaborate and we’ve received other donations from the faculty of science and from the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden," Mumin said. "We have other fossils as well that we’ll be adding to the display."

To show appreciation for the building of the dromaeosaurus, the faculty of science has embarked on a research project with the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Brandon paleontologist David Greenwood will head to the Alberta museum to collaborate with some of their researchers.

Once the installation has been finalized at the end of September, the geology department at the university will be hosting the display’s grand opening.

The dromaeosaurus, the other fossils and the rock collection will be displayed from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Monday to Friday, and will be open to the public.

Admission is free.