Name: Sadie Sherman

Title: Denver Basin Project Fossil Preparator

Education: BS in Biology from the University of Alberta

About Denver Museum of Nature & Science: A natural history museum focused on igniting our community's passion for nature and science.

Tell us more about your job.

As a preparator, it is my job to dig new fossils from the ground and bring them back to the Museum where I delicately remove the dirt and rock from the bones. Once the fossils are clean, I also build archival cradles to protect the fossils during transport and storage in our collections.

Why is STEM important within your industry?

STEM and STEM research is the driving force behind everything we do in the fossil preparation lab. We practice intentionality when choosing what to bring back to our collections, prioritizing the collection of specimens that can be used for current in-house research. Before we can use what we collect from nature to answer scientific questions about the history of life on Earth, each specimen must be cleaned and made visible, and that is what we do in the preparation lab.

Was there a specific moment when you decided you wanted to pursue STEM as a career?

According to my parents, I was three years old when I decided I wanted to be a paleontologist when I grew up. I have wanted a career in STEM for as long as I can remember.

What do you like best about your job?

There are many things I like about my job, so it is hard to choose a favorite! But being able to engage in the generation of new knowledge and then share that information with a wide audience is one of my favorite and most rewarding parts.

What are the most important skills needed in your job?

It is important to have good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail. Removing rock and dirt from fossils can be tedious and fossils are delicate, so it is valuable to have fine motor skills. It is also important to work well in a team because many activities, especially field work, require large group efforts to accomplish our goals.

Have there been times in your career where you've faced difficult challenges and how were you able to overcome them?

In the past, I had trouble during field work where I felt stressed and unsupported. I reached out to my supervisor about my issues, and she gave me the support and advice I needed to resolve my challenges. In times when difficulties arise, it is important to communicate with your support network so they can be aware of your situation and help you.

What advice would you give to girls of all ages who are interested in STEM?

My advice is to get involved in any way you can! Whether that be volunteering, interning, engaging with STEM research online, or any other available opportunity. Building experience in STEM this way will help develop your interests and can guide you toward a career in STEM. This is what helped me since I began as a volunteer and intern before being hired as a preparator.