May 01, 2014

Ishman leads micropaleontology group

Scott E. Ishman, a professor in the Department of Geology, is president of the North American Micropaleontology Section of the Society for Sedimentary Geology. 

Ishman began his one-year term in April. 

Micropaleontology is the study of ancient microorganisms preserved in the fossil record. Studying where such organism fossils are found and in which strata can tell scientists about past life, climate and other factors. 

Ishman said the section promotes all aspects of micropaleontology through application, research and education, as those aspects deal with morphology, biostratigraphy, ecology/paleoecology, and the geologic history of all groups of microfossils occurring in the stratigraphic record. 

As president, Ishman will preside over meetings of the section and council. He is responsible for appointing the chairs of all committee and research groups, and is the official section representative to the executive council of the Society for Sedimentary Geology. 

Ishman said the many SIU researchers who serve in leadership positions in professional organizations underscores the university’s status as a top research institution.