Long-Term Retention of Diverse Paleontologists Requires Increasing Accessibility

Geoscience encompasses a variety of scientific subdisciplines aimed at exploring, understanding, and predicting global phenomena. Yet despite its reach, the geosciences are least diverse STEM disciplines. Paleontology, subdiscipline which prides itself on unearthing diversity life, comprises no greater level among researchers than overall. This deficiency is in direct opposition to public interest generated by paleontological research. Paleontology has broad educational appeal been leveraged various ways promote learning. However, this widespread interest, there an overwhelming decrease participants paleontology increasing levels academia. At each academic career stage, from undergraduate tenured faculty, number underrepresented (URP) underserved persons (USP) dwindles. Here we highlight discuss barriers access experienced URP USP that hinder their ability progress every journey post-K-12, focusing track professorship. Neglecting consider unique faced URPs USPs when developing curricula, building programs, evaluating productivity perpetuates chronic lack paleontology, regardless individual pursuing field. We also suggest actionable items for instructors, as well members community positions power policymakers. While dire, field small enough individuals have potential make meaningful difference.