Dr Sam Heads

Palaeontologist & Naturalist

Welcome

Sam Heads in Champaign, IL, May 2025

Hello, I’m Sam.

I’m a palaeontologist—a scientist that studies fossils and their evolutionary history. I have a particular passion for arthropods, especially the insects and other “creepy crawlies.” My research is focused largely on the fossils of these amazing animals and exploring their ancient diversity. By discovering, describing, and naming exciting new fossil species, I hope to contribute to unravelling their evolutionary history and help tell their ancient story, one fossil at a time.

On this website you can learn more about me, my research and publications, and other aspects of my work as Founding Director and Curator-in-Charge of the Illinois Center for Paleontology.

Note for prospective students:

I am not currently accepting new graduate students, but there are numerous other really excellent professors on the University of Illinois Urbana-Illinois campus who might be. Check out the departments of Entomology, Evolution, Ecology & Behavior, Plant Biology, and Earth Science & Environmental Change. Also take a look at the excellent PEEC Program, which provides unique interdisciplinary doctoral opportunities.

Image credits

Header image: Ammonite from the Lower Jurassic of the North Yorkshire coast, collected by Sam & Kevin Heads in 1995 (credit: Sam Heads)

Headshot: Sam Heads outside his home in Champaign, Illinois, May 2025 (credit: Tina Heads)