Events › Dino Day with Paleontologist Dr. Jingmai O'Connor

Please join us for a fun and informative presentation by the incredibly prolific and talented paleontologist, Dr. Jingmai O'Connor. She will discuss the Field Museum's newly named Spinosaurus, Sobek; how she figures out the past through the field of paleontology; and the sixth mass extinction. 

Come learn, dance and explore dinosaur-related activity stations afterward from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Thomas Hughes Children's Library.

Adults and children are welcome!

Jingmai O’Connor is a vertebrate paleontologist currently working at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago as the Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles. O’Connor’s research explores the evolution of flight in the Dinosauria, the dinosaur-bird transition and the biology of stem-avians. Before moving to Chicago, O’Connor was a professor at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing where she worked for over ten years. 

In 2019, O’Connor was awarded the Schuchert Award by the Paleontogical Society which honors a paleontologist under the age of 40 who demonstrates excellence and promise. O’Connor also does extensive outreach in the form of podcasts, public talks and documentaries and has recently written the award-winning children’s book, When Dinosaurs Conquered the Skies.

How to Attend
This event takes place in person. Masks are strongly encouraged in all CPL locations. Questions about visiting the library? Check out our Using the Library FAQ.

Accessibility
Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Photo provided by Dr. Jingmai O'Connor