Christina Belanger, Ph.D
@belaforams.bsky.social
Paleoecologist using the past to understand the future. Forams are the best! Associate professor at Texas A&M in College Station teaching about fossils and Earth’s deep past.
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
🚨 Hot off the press: Our look into of the palaeontological database landscape and its sustainability into the future.
Palaeo databases are invaluable and continue to transform our research field - but they are vulnerable... (1/6) 🧪 ⛏️
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Palaeo databases are invaluable and continue to transform our research field - but they are vulnerable... (1/6) 🧪 ⛏️
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
The billion-dollar case for sustaining palaeontology’s digital databases - Nature Ecology & Evolution
The authors survey community palaeontological databases, documenting their contributions to science as well as their vulnerabilities, and provide recommendations for the future of open science databas...
www.nature.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:10 PM
🚨 Hot off the press: Our look into of the palaeontological database landscape and its sustainability into the future.
Palaeo databases are invaluable and continue to transform our research field - but they are vulnerable... (1/6) 🧪 ⛏️
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Palaeo databases are invaluable and continue to transform our research field - but they are vulnerable... (1/6) 🧪 ⛏️
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
SODCO invites you to a webinar on the new operational planning process for NSF drilling proposals. We will introduce new planning materials, outline how the operations plan will be constructed, and answer questions.
Learn more and register at sodco.org/operational-planning
Learn more and register at sodco.org/operational-planning
February 9, 2026 at 4:43 PM
SODCO invites you to a webinar on the new operational planning process for NSF drilling proposals. We will introduce new planning materials, outline how the operations plan will be constructed, and answer questions.
Learn more and register at sodco.org/operational-planning
Learn more and register at sodco.org/operational-planning
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Hello BlueSky! We’re here to bring you the latest opportunities and news in U.S. scientific ocean drilling and amplify the work of our community and partners. This account is managed by the U.S. Scientific Ocean Drilling Coordination Office (SODCO).
February 5, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Hello BlueSky! We’re here to bring you the latest opportunities and news in U.S. scientific ocean drilling and amplify the work of our community and partners. This account is managed by the U.S. Scientific Ocean Drilling Coordination Office (SODCO).
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
⚡Applications for Paleontological Society Student Representative (2026-2028) are open! ⚡ @paleosoc.bsky.social
It's a great way to be a part of the community and advocate for students! Applications due March 1.
forms.gle/6qg2BLWgEXVd...
It's a great way to be a part of the community and advocate for students! Applications due March 1.
forms.gle/6qg2BLWgEXVd...
Nominations for Student Representative to the Paleontological Society (2026-2028)
The deadline for consideration is March 1, 2026.
The Role: Student Representatives serve as voices for student needs in the Society and play leading roles in student activities including organizing...
forms.gle
February 3, 2026 at 9:12 PM
⚡Applications for Paleontological Society Student Representative (2026-2028) are open! ⚡ @paleosoc.bsky.social
It's a great way to be a part of the community and advocate for students! Applications due March 1.
forms.gle/6qg2BLWgEXVd...
It's a great way to be a part of the community and advocate for students! Applications due March 1.
forms.gle/6qg2BLWgEXVd...
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
I've seen fossils in some remarkable places, but this takes the prize: the benthic foram Nummulites in the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza. These massive blocks were quarried from the Eocene Mokkatam Formation when a relictual population of woolly mammoths still lived on Wrangel Island.
February 2, 2026 at 5:43 PM
I've seen fossils in some remarkable places, but this takes the prize: the benthic foram Nummulites in the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza. These massive blocks were quarried from the Eocene Mokkatam Formation when a relictual population of woolly mammoths still lived on Wrangel Island.
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Today's front-page of the Bryan Eagle showcases the very large protest for academic freedom held on the Texas A&M campus by @tamu-aaup.bsky.social last night
January 30, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Today's front-page of the Bryan Eagle showcases the very large protest for academic freedom held on the Texas A&M campus by @tamu-aaup.bsky.social last night
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Researchers from Europe are visiting this week, conducting experimental observations of foraminifera.
Seeing healthy specimens extend their long pseudopodia is reassuring.
Seeing healthy specimens extend their long pseudopodia is reassuring.
January 30, 2026 at 11:17 AM
Researchers from Europe are visiting this week, conducting experimental observations of foraminifera.
Seeing healthy specimens extend their long pseudopodia is reassuring.
Seeing healthy specimens extend their long pseudopodia is reassuring.
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Not a great stack, but it gives you an idea of the glorious architecture of a Lagena sp. Foraminifera.
#marineplankton 🦑 #protistsonsky
#marineplankton 🦑 #protistsonsky
January 30, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Not a great stack, but it gives you an idea of the glorious architecture of a Lagena sp. Foraminifera.
#marineplankton 🦑 #protistsonsky
#marineplankton 🦑 #protistsonsky
“The university later identified canceled courses as Introduction to Race and Ethnicity; Religions of the World; Ethics in Public Policy; Diversity in Sport Organizations; Cultural Leadership and Exploration for Society; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Youth Development Organizations.”
New: Texas A&M University announced Friday that it is eliminating its women’s and gender studies degree program.
Texas A&M eliminates women’s and gender studies program
University leaders also said six courses were canceled and 48 exceptions were granted under new rules on race and gender.
www.texastribune.org
January 31, 2026 at 1:28 AM
“The university later identified canceled courses as Introduction to Race and Ethnicity; Religions of the World; Ethics in Public Policy; Diversity in Sport Organizations; Cultural Leadership and Exploration for Society; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Youth Development Organizations.”
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
#geoubcsic Drawing as a tool for representing and explaining complex structures in Foraminifera. Lería, M; Ferràndez-Cañadell, C. REVUE DE MICROPALEONTOLOGIE 90 [2026] doi.org/10.1016/j.revmic.2025.100889
January 19, 2026 at 12:40 PM
#geoubcsic Drawing as a tool for representing and explaining complex structures in Foraminifera. Lería, M; Ferràndez-Cañadell, C. REVUE DE MICROPALEONTOLOGIE 90 [2026] doi.org/10.1016/j.revmic.2025.100889
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
🎬 “The Story of Stress” is out now!
A 27 minute documentary on #IODP Expedition 405 (JTRACK), filmed aboard D/V Chikyu during 4 months at sea off Japan’s Tohoku region.
Watch it now ➡️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoBN...
A 27 minute documentary on #IODP Expedition 405 (JTRACK), filmed aboard D/V Chikyu during 4 months at sea off Japan’s Tohoku region.
Watch it now ➡️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoBN...
January 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM
🎬 “The Story of Stress” is out now!
A 27 minute documentary on #IODP Expedition 405 (JTRACK), filmed aboard D/V Chikyu during 4 months at sea off Japan’s Tohoku region.
Watch it now ➡️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoBN...
A 27 minute documentary on #IODP Expedition 405 (JTRACK), filmed aboard D/V Chikyu during 4 months at sea off Japan’s Tohoku region.
Watch it now ➡️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoBN...
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
The NSF strategic plan FY 2026-30 is available for public comment until Jan 27. Please make your voice heard! www.nsf.gov/od/updates/n...
NSF seeks public input on its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–2030 NSF Strategic Plan
www.nsf.gov
January 17, 2026 at 11:12 PM
The NSF strategic plan FY 2026-30 is available for public comment until Jan 27. Please make your voice heard! www.nsf.gov/od/updates/n...
“No state or federal law prohibits discussion of race, gender or sexuality in college classrooms. State law does require public universities to post course syllabi online, but…professors have been required to submit them for administrative review before certain courses can proceed.”
Texas A&M cancels ethics course over race, gender policy
The university said content of the graduate course, which was already underway, was not adequately disclosed, forcing the cancellation. The professor disagrees.
www.texastribune.org
January 16, 2026 at 9:28 PM
“No state or federal law prohibits discussion of race, gender or sexuality in college classrooms. State law does require public universities to post course syllabi online, but…professors have been required to submit them for administrative review before certain courses can proceed.”
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Don't miss the opportunity to fund your research with a GSA Graduate Student Research Grant.
• Receive up to $3,000 for graduate (MS or PhD) research
• Over 40 topic categories accepted (see image #3)
• Deadline to Apply: 18 February 2026
🔗 Get started and apply now: geosociety.co/gradgrants
• Receive up to $3,000 for graduate (MS or PhD) research
• Over 40 topic categories accepted (see image #3)
• Deadline to Apply: 18 February 2026
🔗 Get started and apply now: geosociety.co/gradgrants
January 15, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Don't miss the opportunity to fund your research with a GSA Graduate Student Research Grant.
• Receive up to $3,000 for graduate (MS or PhD) research
• Over 40 topic categories accepted (see image #3)
• Deadline to Apply: 18 February 2026
🔗 Get started and apply now: geosociety.co/gradgrants
• Receive up to $3,000 for graduate (MS or PhD) research
• Over 40 topic categories accepted (see image #3)
• Deadline to Apply: 18 February 2026
🔗 Get started and apply now: geosociety.co/gradgrants
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
🧑🏽🔬🌊🤖 Hey undergrads! Get paid, hands-on experience in ocean science or engineering as a WHOI Summer Student Fellow! Applications are due on February 1—so start yours today!
📲Find program details and potential projects for summer 2026: whoi.edu/summerfellow
📲Find program details and potential projects for summer 2026: whoi.edu/summerfellow
January 15, 2026 at 10:59 PM
🧑🏽🔬🌊🤖 Hey undergrads! Get paid, hands-on experience in ocean science or engineering as a WHOI Summer Student Fellow! Applications are due on February 1—so start yours today!
📲Find program details and potential projects for summer 2026: whoi.edu/summerfellow
📲Find program details and potential projects for summer 2026: whoi.edu/summerfellow
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
#FossilFriday is also foram Friday, with some big-ass microfossils on deck! ⚒️🧪🦠
Fusulinid foraminifera are an extinct group of large single celled organisms that produced calcitic shells. Believed to have been photosymbiotic, they were common in shallow seafloor settings in the late Paleozoic.
Fusulinid foraminifera are an extinct group of large single celled organisms that produced calcitic shells. Believed to have been photosymbiotic, they were common in shallow seafloor settings in the late Paleozoic.
January 9, 2026 at 11:02 PM
#FossilFriday is also foram Friday, with some big-ass microfossils on deck! ⚒️🧪🦠
Fusulinid foraminifera are an extinct group of large single celled organisms that produced calcitic shells. Believed to have been photosymbiotic, they were common in shallow seafloor settings in the late Paleozoic.
Fusulinid foraminifera are an extinct group of large single celled organisms that produced calcitic shells. Believed to have been photosymbiotic, they were common in shallow seafloor settings in the late Paleozoic.
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
🌍 Job hunting in #geoscience? AGI’s Geoscience Job Center has fresh listings daily!
💼 Academia, gov, private + more!
👉 www.americangeosciences.org/jobs/
#GeoJobs #employment #GeoscienceCareers #HiringNow #Science
💼 Academia, gov, private + more!
👉 www.americangeosciences.org/jobs/
#GeoJobs #employment #GeoscienceCareers #HiringNow #Science
January 8, 2026 at 1:31 PM
🌍 Job hunting in #geoscience? AGI’s Geoscience Job Center has fresh listings daily!
💼 Academia, gov, private + more!
👉 www.americangeosciences.org/jobs/
#GeoJobs #employment #GeoscienceCareers #HiringNow #Science
💼 Academia, gov, private + more!
👉 www.americangeosciences.org/jobs/
#GeoJobs #employment #GeoscienceCareers #HiringNow #Science
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Good morning… I was pressed for time again this morning, but it seems 3 minutes of peace & calm are more important than ever.
So here they are
#OceanDevotion
So here they are
#OceanDevotion
January 8, 2026 at 1:10 PM
Good morning… I was pressed for time again this morning, but it seems 3 minutes of peace & calm are more important than ever.
So here they are
#OceanDevotion
So here they are
#OceanDevotion
“…an intro. sociology course on race and ethnicity was canceled, a comm. course on religion and the arts was renumbered and stripped of core curriculum credit, and a philosophy prof. was told to remove Plato readings and other material related to race and gender from a core course or be reassigned.”
Texas A&M restrictions on race, gender could affect 200 courses
With the semester set to begin next week, professors have been directed to alter courses, and some classes have been removed or reassigned from the core curriculum at the College Station campus.
www.texastribune.org
January 8, 2026 at 3:25 AM
“…an intro. sociology course on race and ethnicity was canceled, a comm. course on religion and the arts was renumbered and stripped of core curriculum credit, and a philosophy prof. was told to remove Plato readings and other material related to race and gender from a core course or be reassigned.”
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
The deadline for graduate student applications for paleoCAMP 2026 (Paleoclimate Training in Climate Archives, Models, and Proxies) summer school is this Friday, January 9th! paleoCAMP is completely free for all students selected to attend paleoclimate.camp/apply
Application — paleoCAMP
paleoclimate.camp
January 5, 2026 at 6:48 PM
The deadline for graduate student applications for paleoCAMP 2026 (Paleoclimate Training in Climate Archives, Models, and Proxies) summer school is this Friday, January 9th! paleoCAMP is completely free for all students selected to attend paleoclimate.camp/apply
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Yay! Dr. Tanya Atwater finally getting public credit for her (very big) role in the plate tectonics revolution.
The discovery that the continents are in continuous motion is fairly recent—dating back only to the late 1960s — and one woman was responsible for decoding what it meant for California and much of the West Coast.
buff.ly/2vAwspH
buff.ly/2vAwspH
Drifters and the introduction of plate tectonics - High Country News
How the San Andreas fault and Tanya Atwater’s theory changed geology.
www.hcn.org
January 5, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Yay! Dr. Tanya Atwater finally getting public credit for her (very big) role in the plate tectonics revolution.
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Happy New Year folks 🎆🎈🎊 2026 will see us celebrating the 200 year anniversary of the first ever publication on Foraminifera from the French naturalist Alcide d’Orbigny. Happy birthday Forams!!!!
January 1, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Happy New Year folks 🎆🎈🎊 2026 will see us celebrating the 200 year anniversary of the first ever publication on Foraminifera from the French naturalist Alcide d’Orbigny. Happy birthday Forams!!!!
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Holy shit I'm so relieved I could cry. A very happy new year to PRI!!! www.priweb.org/blog-post/pr...
PRI's Wonderful Life — Paleontological Research Institution
By Dr. Warren Allmon , Director of the Paleontological Research Institution December 30, 2025 The holidays are a time for “Christmas movies” in my house, and one that is always on our list is&nbs...
www.priweb.org
January 1, 2026 at 7:20 AM
Holy shit I'm so relieved I could cry. A very happy new year to PRI!!! www.priweb.org/blog-post/pr...
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Something very different for the last #MolluscMonday of 2025 – a montage of record album covers featuring ammonites. I’m sure there must be more.
December 29, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Something very different for the last #MolluscMonday of 2025 – a montage of record album covers featuring ammonites. I’m sure there must be more.
Reposted by Christina Belanger, Ph.D
Christmas Day trip out on the paddleboard to collect some plankton at Pease Bay resulted in a whole series of lovely gifts 😁: a couple of foraminifera - Leptohalysis scottii and a species of rotaliida; an acantharian radiolarian; the silicoflagellate Dictyocha fibula #plankton
December 25, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Christmas Day trip out on the paddleboard to collect some plankton at Pease Bay resulted in a whole series of lovely gifts 😁: a couple of foraminifera - Leptohalysis scottii and a species of rotaliida; an acantharian radiolarian; the silicoflagellate Dictyocha fibula #plankton