Our special guest will be KU paleobotanist, Dr. Brian Atkinson.

Approximately 80 million years ago expansive forests grew along the western coast of North America. The plants in these forests left behind exceptionally preserved fossils that are shedding light on the origins of modern ecosystems. Join us at Free State Brewery as we welcome special guest Dr. Brian Atkinson, KU paleobotanist, who will share his research on “Ancient Forests and the Origin of Flowering Plant-Dominated Ecosystems.” A Q&A will follow Dr. Atkinson’s presentation.
 

Brian Atkinson is an assistant professor of ecology & evolutionary biology at the University of Kansas and curator of paleobotany at the KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum. He uses the fossil record to reconstruct evolutionary patterns and relationships of seed plants with a primary focus on Mesozoic and early Cenozoic conifers and flowering plants. He was awarded the Botanical Society of America Emerging Leader Award in 2021.
 

All Science On Tap events are free and will be held in the beer hall area at Free State Brewery. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact Anne Tangeman at atangeman@ku.edu by September 12.