description Scott Sampson Overview
Scott D. Sampson is a Canadian paleontologist and science communicator who has held prominent roles in major scientific institutions, including serving as the executive director of the California Academy of Sciences. His academic research focuses largely on Late Cretaceous dinosaurs, with significant fieldwork and discoveries conducted in the fossil beds of Madagascar. Sampson is widely recognized by the public as the host and scientific advisor for the PBS Kids educational television series Dinosaur Train.
He frequently advocates for connecting modern audiences with scientific literacy and the natural world.
help Scott Sampson FAQ
What dinosaur did Scott Sampson discover in Madagascar?
Scott Sampson is best known for his work describing theropod dinosaurs from Late Cretaceous deposits in Madagascar, most notably Majungasaurus and the small, bizarre Masiakasaurus knopfleri. He conducted this fieldwork as part of the Mahajanga Basin Project, which transformed understanding of southern hemisphere dinosaur ecosystems.
Is Scott Sampson the host of the PBS show Dinosaur Train?
Yes, Scott D. Sampson appears on the PBS Kids animated series Dinosaur Train as "Dr. Scott the Paleontologist," teaching children about prehistoric life at the end of each episode. He also served as the show's science advisor, helping ensure the dinosaur content was grounded in current research.
What book did Scott Sampson write about dinosaurs?
Scott Sampson authored "Dinosaur Odyssey: Fossil Threads in the Web of Life," published in 2009 by University of California Press. The book weaves together his Madagascar field experiences with a broader argument about how dinosaurs illuminate the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
What museum or institution is Scott Sampson affiliated with?
Sampson has held leadership roles at several major institutions, including serving as vice president of research and collections at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. He was also previously a research curator at the Utah Museum of Natural History and has remained active in science education and outreach.
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