Скачать или смотреть How Fossils Shape the Future: Why Science Funding Fuels Discovery

What do saber-toothed cats and climate change have in common? In this episode of Speak Up For Science, Dr. Larisa DeSantis, a paleontologist at Vanderbilt University, shows how studying the past helps us plan for the future—and why federal science funding makes that possible.

With support from the National Science Foundation, Dr. DeSantis investigates ancient ecosystems to reveal patterns of extinction, resilience, and adaptation—critical insights for modern conservation. Her work in conservation paleobiology offers unique tools for tackling today's environmental challenges, from habitat loss to climate disruption. And the impact doesn’t stop there. Whether she's analyzing fossil records or igniting curiosity in the next generation of scientists, Dr. DeSantis demonstrates how public investment in science powers research, education, and long-term societal benefit.

Join us in tracing the path from public funding to transformative science—past, present, and future. #SpeakUp4Science #VUSpeaksUp4Science #SupportScienceFunding #ScienceMatters