UND geology student Skylor Booth earns prestigious Sigma Gamma Epsilon geoscience award
Recognized for achievements in the Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering, Skylor Booth earns notable honor for leadership, service and collegiality
For UND geology graduate student Skylor Booth, paleontology is far more than studying fossils — it’s about uncovering stories buried for millions of years and helping others experience the excitement of discovery firsthand.
That passion recently earned Booth the W. A. Tarr Award from Sigma Gamma Epsilon, recognizing outstanding geoscience graduates for scholarship, leadership, service and collegiality.
Established in 1947, the award honors William A. Tarr, the founding editor of The Compass and a major force behind the success of Sigma Gamma Epsilon. Each active chapter of Sigma Gamma Epsilon may select one deserving student annually for the honor.
At UND, Booth stood out not only for his academic achievements but also for his hands-on research, leadership within the Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering, and commitment to building community around paleontology and geoscience.
Booth has participated in fieldwork across North Dakota, Montana and New Jersey, excavating fossils from more than five different formations. His work has included mammals, dinosaurs, reptiles, fish and invertebrates — a broad range of paleontological research experience that reflects both curiosity and dedication to the discipline.
One of his notable research projects involved a rare earth element (REE) geochemistry study conducted alongside UND paleontologist Dr. Paul Ullmann. The project sought to determine whether two fossil quarries were once part of the same fossil deposit before erosion separated them over time. Booth presented the findings at the 2024 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology conference, showcasing his research on a professional stage.
His research interests also connect directly to UND’s growing paleontology efforts surrounding “Marvin,” the Edmontosaurus specimen currently being prepared at the University. Booth has been involved in research examining how fossil bones chemically change during fossilization and whether original biological structures such as blood vessels, bone cells and collagen may still be preserved within the specimen.
But Booth’s impact extends well beyond research.
He has played a major role in reviving the Beta Zeta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Epsilon at UND, helping recruit new members and rebuild student engagement within the organization. He has also helped spearhead collaborative fundraising efforts with the American Association of University Geologists (AUG), including a recent plant sale that raised more than $900 in support of student activities and programming.
Within UND’s fossil preparation lab, Booth also helps lead the community fossil preparation sessions centered around Marvin the Edmontosaurus. During these sessions, volunteers from UND and the broader community work directly with authentic dinosaur fossils while learning fossil preservation techniques. Booth regularly trains volunteers and helps guide them through the delicate process of fossil reconstruction and preparation.
That willingness to mentor others and share scientific discovery reflects the spirit of both the W. A. Tarr Award and UND’s broader mission of hands-on learning and meaningful impact.
At the UND College of Engineering & Mines, students like Booth are empowered to combine research, leadership and service in ways that extend far beyond the classroom — helping uncover the past while inspiring future generations of scientists.
As Booth continues his graduate studies and research, the recognition reflects not only his accomplishments in geoscience, but also his dedication to fostering curiosity, collaboration and discovery within the UND community.
Written by Paige Prekker // UND College of Engineering & Mines
