Interview: Sandy Dengler Paleontologist At Large

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When Sandy Dengler was 10, she wanted to be a paleontologist. But she never explored the possibility, nor was she encouraged in it. After all, in rural Ohio in the 40s, educated girls could be teachers or nurses. Maybe. Period. In fact, if it hadn't been for Sputnik, no one would have thought to encourage her in any science at all.

At the age of 58, she volunteered at the University of Oklahoma, building exhibits for the Ancient Life gallery in their new Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, working closely with paleontologists. One thing led to another. In 2005, she earned her PhD in Paleontology, fulfilling a 50-year-old dream.