Joshua Crouch
Fall 2023 SAFE Fund Recipient
Project: "Preliminary Taphonomy of a Revueltian (Upper Triassic: Norian) Age Coprolite Assemblage from the Homestead Site in the Garita Creek Formation, East-Central New Mexico, USA"
Joshua Crouch, a senior geology major from Gastonia, received a Fall 2023 Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund grant to attend the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP)'s 83rd Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, OH, from October 19-21, 2023.
Crouch presented a poster on his research, titled "Preliminary Taphonomy of a Revueltian (Upper Triassic: Norian) Age Coprolite Assemblage from the Homestead Site in the Garita Creek Formation, East-Central New Mexico, USA." Advised by Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences professor Dr. Andrew Heckert, Crouch's study provides a statistical analysis of coprolites (fossilized feces) acquired from the Upper Triassic Homestead Site in the Garita Creek Formation of east-central New Mexico.
"By organizing, comparing and contrasting the various types of coprolites diagnostic of ichnotaxa (striated and spiral morphologies) or not, and their fossil inclusions (typically fish scales), the coprolites’ paleoecological significance can be determined alongside their value for future investigation," explained Crouch.
The SAFE funding helped Crouch cover hotel accommodation and conference registration fees. Crouch also received support from the Office of Student Research and the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences.
"Because of the funding provided by the SAFE Grant, allowing me to attend SVP, I gained connections with a paleontologist working at a university in Japan," shared Crouch. "Due to this connection, when I went to Japan this summer attending an intensive language course, I was able to meet her in person and attend Japan's own paleontological conference, the Paleontological Society of Japan. I had lunch with professionals in the field, from professors to museum directors, and upon returning to the states, I learned that she is willing to be my graduate advisor."
Following his graduation from App State, Crouch plans to pursue a graduate degree in Japan, working under the aforementioned advisor at Kanagawa University in Yokohama. There, he will continue his research on the evolution of marine reptiles.
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About the SAFE Fund
Initially endowed by Hughlene and Bill Frank, the College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund provides resources that can be used to support undergraduate, graduate and faculty experiences. The SAFE Fund provides funding for college priorities and opportunities that arise throughout the year. These unrestricted funds support student and faculty travel, publication support for faculty and student research opportunities. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu/students/student-and-faculty-excellence-safe-fund.
About the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Located in Western North Carolina, Appalachian State University provides the perfect setting to study geological and environmental sciences. The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences provides students with a solid foundation on which to prepare for graduate school or build successful careers as scientists, consultants and secondary education teachers. The department offers six degree options in geology and two degree options in environmental science. Learn more at earth.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
November 14, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
Joshua Crouch is a senior geology major from Gastonia. Photo submitted
Joshua Crouch is a senior geology major from Gastonia. Photo submitted