I would like to thank the Paleontological Society for honoring me this way. And a special thank you to Ian Glasspoll for all his efforts, which made this possible.

Jack Wittry

To be considered for the Strimple Award is an honor. To win it is unimaginable. At first, I only hoped my efforts would allow me to make science more accessible to others, never expecting I may be recognized for contributing to it someday.

I would also like to thank some of the people whose inspiration got me here. My fellow amateur and mentor Andrew Hay, who often introduced me simply as one of the good guys. Along with professionals like Wendy Taylor, who insisted I volunteer in the Field Museum’s collections and started me out by making chocolate trilobites. Also Jenny McElwain, who insisted that if I wished to work in the collection, I must publish on what I found. They all, in their own way, showed me that if you are driven, it is possible to make difference in paleontology.

There are far too many other people who generously shared their expertise to name here. But I feel I am surrounded by them. They are a team of selfless colleagues, which I am the product of. And for that team, I gladly accept this award.