Judyth Sassoon

I am a trained scientist with expertise in palaeobiology and biochemistry. I have specialist knowledge in comparative anatomy, palaeobiology, palaeopathology and a broad knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology, evolutionary biology. I am currently working part time for a second doctoral degre in the Philosophy and History of Palaeontology.

Overview of Research

My research falls at the intersection between palaeontology as a scientific practice and the philosophy of palaeontology. I am interested in how palaeontologists interpret and discover meaning in fossils. Specifically, I am aiming to demonstrate how the interpretive practices of semiotics, hermeneutics and phenomenology are intertwined with established scientific practices in palaeontology. For my case studies, I use examples from research on the marine reptile taxon, the Plesiosauria.

Special fields of Interest

Palaeontology of Mesozoic marine reptiles

History of Palaeontology

Philosophy of palaeontology