Triceratops gets star treatment in Swenson lab

A historic discovery is taking shape in the basement of Augustana’s Swenson Hall of Geosciences.

In partnership with the Putnam Museum and Science Center, Augustana students led by Dr. Kelsey Arkle, associate professor of geology, are helping prepare more than 30 fossilized pieces of a ~66-million-year-old triceratops unearthed near Lusk, Wyo.

The quadrupedal, herbivorous dinosaur is known for its three horns, bony frill and massive size, weighing 6 to 12 tons. The fossils, including ribs, vertebrae, a femur and parts of the frill, were discovered over the past two summers by Putnam staff, community volunteers and Augustana geology/political science double-major Niccolo Benvenuto ’26.

Now, back on campus, geology students are meticulously scraping and removing sediment from the fossilized bones in Dr. Arkle’s paleontology lab, bringing the reptile to life, one fossil at a time. Their work will become part of the Putnam’s upcoming triceratops skeleton exhibition.

This hands-on research exemplifies Augustana’s Bold & Boundless strategic plan, which calls for innovative, engaged learning and partnerships that enrich the Quad Cities and beyond. Through collaborations like this, Augustana students aren’t just studying history — they’re uncovering it and helping bring a scientific treasure to a regional museum.