Brady Holbach ?20 in the Carthage Institute of Paleontology laboratory, proudly holding a spectac...

Brady Holbach

Class Year

’20

Current home

Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Major(s)

Biology (Paleontology Track) and Geoscience

Current Position

Fossil Preparator at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum

Brady Holbach ’20 currently works in the fossil preparation lab at the Kenosha Dinosaur Discovery Museum, where he cleans fossils using a variety of techniques.

“I use toothbrushes and dental picks when initially cleaning fossils, and then I use tools such as air scribes and air abrasion machines for finer cleaning. Once a fossil is clean, I apply a light coating of paraloid, a type of liquid plastic, to protect the fossil from degradation and stabilize it to be easier to handle. I will then look for pieces that fit each other and glue them back together. At this point, the fossils are placed safely back in collections where researchers can visit them to study, or a display is made to present the fossil and its significance to the public.”

Mr. Holbach most recently had the privilege of cleaning and making a display box for the rare partial remains of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, which were found during a Carthage Institute of Paleontology field expedition.

“What most prepared me for my career was being able to volunteer as a student at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. I also gained a lot of experience thanks to the paleontology field course that was offered during Carthage’s J-Term.”

Brady Holbach, ’20

What have you enjoyed most about your career?

“I enjoy simply working in the lab and seeing a dirty, barely recognizable fossil be turned into a clean, pristine piece of bone that researchers can better learn and study from.”

How did Carthage prepare you?

“What most prepared me for my career was being able to volunteer as a student at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. I also gained a lot of experience thanks to the paleontology field course that was offered during Carthage’s J-Term.”

Why did you choose Carthage?

“I specifically choose Carthage for its paleontology program. It’s one of only three schools in Wisconsin that has a program for undergraduates — the others being Madison and Milwaukee. Because Carthage is a smaller school, I felt I would gain a more personal experience in developing my skills.”

What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?

“Some of the opportunities I was able to receive include hands-on field and lab experiences, research opportunities in which I was able to develop experiments with my professors, working at the College and local museum, and gaining knowledge outside of normal areas of study — making me a well-rounded critical thinker.”

What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?

“I have had a number of Carthage professors help me succeed not only in my career, but also in my life. My paleontology advisor Professor Thomas Carr helped me improve my academic writing and showed me the depth of research that can be done in paleontology. Professor Joy Mast helped me understand the value of making learning and presenting information fun, exciting, and engaging.

“I also need to thank former professors Kurt Piepenburg and Scott Hegrenes for showing me the value of being able to clearly communicate scientific information to non-scientists and how presenting that information in a story improves understanding and interest for those listening.”

Were you an award recipient? If so, tell us about the awards you received and what they meant to you.

“I received the Edith J. and William H. Bullamore Award for my high level of achievement as a geoscience major.”

What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?

“I am a scientist at the end of the day, and one of my greatest goals in life to is to understand the truth behind natural phenomena and to learn what life was like millions of years ago. Life is more than just understanding; it’s also sharing knowledge and resources to help people grow, achieve, and develop their own life goals. Advancements can be made in minutes when working with others, whereas they would have taken years to achieve when working alone. I plan to continue using these skills and values to improve both my life and the lives of those I work with.”


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