Scott D. Sampson

Scott D. Sampson, born on April twenty-second, nineteen sixty-one, is a distinguished Canadian-American paleontologist and science communicator. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, he has made significant contributions to the field of paleontology, particularly through his research on theropod dinosaurs.

Before his role at the California Academy of Sciences, Sampson held the position of Vice President of Research & Collections and Chief Curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. His expertise is particularly noted in the study of the carnivorous dinosaurs Majungasaurus and Masiakasaurus, as well as his extensive research into the Late Cretaceous Period, with a focus on Madagascar.

In addition to his research, Sampson is widely recognized for his efforts in science communication, notably as the presenter of the PBS Kids show Dinosaur Train. His work not only educates young audiences about dinosaurs but also inspires a new generation of scientists.