To celebrate National Science Week 2023, the Western Australian Museum is excited to share some of the stories and highlight some of the research undertaken by our very own scientists this year.
Working as a Technical Officer in Terrestrial Vertebrates, Dr. Thorn’s role involves collecting, preparing, archiving, and loaning out the museum’s mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian specimens.
Tiliqua frangens, a species of fossil skink, was redescribed by Dr Thorn in June. She said skinks were of great interest to her and the recent Tiliqua frangens discovery -- which has received the nickname ‘Mega Chonk’ -- is her research highlight of the year.
“Tiliqua frangens, is an extinct Shingleback Lizard that could have grown to the length of an adult arm!” Dr Thorn said.
“It had spiked armour plating covering its body and was most likely a long-living herbivore, based on its teeth and skull shape,” she said.
Dr Thorn said the Tiliqua frangens discovery enabled a better understanding of how diverse Australia’s fauna can be.
“Fossils show us how animals can come in so many more shapes and sizes than we see today,” she said.
“Deciphering how Ice Age animals adapted, migrated, or what eventually caused their extinctions might help us conserve today’s fauna.”
WA Museum Technical Officer Terrestrial Vertebrates Dr Kailah Thorn with a whale skull
Image copyright WA Museum
To help share her research and expedition experience Dr Thorn is actively involved in two major National Science Week events at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
“I’m excited to be working with Michael Mills from the Palaeo Jam podcast and renowned Scottish palaeontologist Professor Flint who will be joining me in Western Australia for the first time as part of National Science Week 2023!” Kailah said.
“We have a live panel recording with Professor Kate Trinajstic and Dr Sven Ouzman for Palaeo Jam at WA Museum Boola Bardip’s Afterlife Bar on Friday, 18 August.”
The Afterlife Bar is a special after-hours over 18’s experience on Friday evenings as part of the Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition. Tickets include exhibition entry and access to pop-up talks with industry experts and enthusiasts, with food and drink available for purchase.
Palaeo Jam will take a deep dive into the world of Australian fossils and the palaeontologists who study them.
In addition, singing and dancing Scottish Palaeontologist Professor Flint will join Dr Thorn at the WA Museum’s Biggest Science Lab EVER!
“Professor Flint knows all about Australia’s rich fossil heritage and loves to share his knowledge through song,” she said.
Adults and children alike will learn so much from Professor Flint's fun, fact-filled performances as part of WA Museum’s Biggest Science Lab EVER, included with general admission on 19 and 20 August!”
There is so much science to share this National Science Week at the WA Museum. Check out the full program on our website and book the dates in your calendar today.
