Dr. Ronald D. Lewis

Associate Professor
Paleontology

Research Interest & Current Projects:
Dr. Lewis' research deals primarily with the taphonomy of echinoderms and other invertebrates. Dr. Lewis is a strong advocate of the actualistic approach in paleontology, so present-day invertebrates are studied in their natural habitat and are often the subjects of field experiments. Currently, Dr. Lewis and his graduate students are studying the ecology and taphonomy of modern-day large benthic foraminifera at the outer islands of the Bahamas. The echinoid (sea urchin) fauna of the Bahamas is another current research interest of Dr. Lewis. Cretaceous and tertiary echinoid taphonomy are closely related research interests.