Kristina Curry Rogers

Dr. Kristina Curry Rogers has made a name for herself in the world of vertebrae paleontology and evolution. She is assistant professor in biology and geology at Macalester College.

Curry Rogers was part of the 2001 team that completed the groundbreaking discovery in Madagascar of a previously unknown titanosaur species Rapetosaurus krausei. Titanosaurs are the last survivors of the familiar long-necked, plant-eating dinosaurs known as sauropods. Her work, which has shed a new light on the speed of dinosaur growth rates, ranges from discoveries in the field to working with undergraduate students in the lab.

Curry Rogers has been published more than 25 times in academic and field journals. This spunky professor lights up the room when sharing her love of dinosaurs and biology. “Kristi has strong passion for what she does that naturally engages others,” said Judy Scotchmoor, a friend and colleague. “When she talks about science and her particular field work, her eyes just light up and you are immediately drawn into her enthusiasm.”

According to Mark Davis, chair of the biology department at Macalester, it doesn’t take a scientific discovery to understand why she is a much-loved educator who inspires students and scientists alike to contribute to the field of paleobiology. “Kristi stands out in her field as a respected scientist and one of the best professors at the college,” said Davis. “She is a positive role model for all girls — and students — because she is a passionate person who isn’t afraid to set high goals for herself as she inspires passion in others.”

Curry Rogers serves on the media liaisons group for the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and is involved in a number of “Women in Science and Math” groups for girls. She has served as a distinguished lecturer for the Paleontological Society and was featured in the 2005 “50 Careers You Never Heard Of” at the College of St. Catherine. She also has been a distinguished mentor for the Geological Society of America Shlemon Mentor Program and has been awarded more than 10 research grants.

Curry Rogers’ work on dinosaurs has been featured on NPR, Nova Science Now, PBS, the National Geographic Channel and the Discovery Channel. She holds a bachelor of science in biology from Montana State University and a doctorate in anatomical science from State University of New York at Stony Brook.