Prof. Mary Higby Schweitzer | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award
North Carolina State University, United States
Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits
Mary Higby Schweitzer’s academic journey began with a B.S. in Communicative Disorders from Utah State University in 1977. However, her passion for science and education led her to pursue a Certificate in Secondary Education with a focus on Broadfield Science at Montana State University in 1988. Her growing interest in paleontology and biology propelled her towards a Ph.D. in Biology from Montana State University in 1995, where she began her groundbreaking research into biomolecules. This phase of her academic life set the foundation for her future contributions to science.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Schweitzer’s professional career has been marked by a steady progression through prestigious academic and research institutions. She has been a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University since 2015 and has served as a Visiting Professor at Lund University, Sweden, since 2014. In addition, she has held the role of Research Associate at the Museum of the Rockies since 2018, where she continues to collaborate on vertebrate paleontology studies. Prior to this, she worked in various capacities at Montana State University and North Carolina State University, transitioning from an assistant professor to a leading faculty member in the fields of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences. Her long-standing association with the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences as a Research Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology since 2003 reflects her dedication to both research and public science communication.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Schweitzer is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking discovery of soft tissues, proteins, and potential DNA remnants in fossilized dinosaur bones. This finding challenged traditional assumptions about fossilization and opened up new possibilities for studying ancient biomolecules. Her research has demonstrated that biomolecules such as collagen proteins can persist for millions of years, providing direct biochemical evidence of evolutionary links between dinosaurs and modern birds. Her work in molecular paleontology, vertebrate taphonomy, and protein preservation has not only expanded our understanding of how biological materials endure over time but has also introduced new methodologies for studying ancient life at the molecular level.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Schweitzer’s work has significantly influenced paleontology, evolutionary biology, andbiomolecules. Her research has been pivotal in demonstrating that organic materials can survive fossilization, reshaping our understanding of ancient life and its preservation. By uncovering biochemical links between extinct species and their modern relatives, her discoveries have provided strong molecular evidence supporting evolutionary theory. Beyond her own research, she has played a key role in shaping the scientific landscape as a reviewer for high-impact journals such as Nature, Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and PLOS Biology. Her contributions have ensured that new discoveries in the field maintain the highest standards of scientific rigor.
Academic Citations and Recognition
With an extensive portfolio of highly cited papers, Dr. Schweitzer’s research continues to be a cornerstone of molecular paleontology. Her honorary doctorate from Lund University in Sweden is a testament to her international recognition and influence in the field. Her publications have been widely referenced by paleontologists, biologists, and geochemists, further highlighting the multidisciplinary impact of her work.
Technical Skills
Dr. Schweitzer possesses expertise in a wide range of advanced scientific techniques, including immunohistochemistry, paleohistology, microscopy, and geochemical analysis. Her ability to extract and analyze ancient proteins and biomolecules has been instrumental in confirming the preservation of soft tissues in fossils. Her technical skills also extend to spectroscopy, molecular imaging, and biochemical analysis, allowing her to identify and characterize ancient biological materials with high precision.
Teaching Experience and Mentorship
A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Schweitzer has trained and guided numerous graduate and Ph.D. students throughout her career. She has held teaching positions at Montana State University and North Carolina State University, where she has inspired students to explore the intersections of biology, paleontology, and molecular science. Through her mentorship, she has played a vital role in fostering the next generation of researchers who continue to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Schweitzer’s revolutionary research has reshaped the field of paleontology and will continue to influence scientific inquiry for years to come. Her discoveries have bridged the gap between biology and paleontology, offering new insights into how ancient life is preserved at the molecular level. Moving forward, her research could unlock even more secrets about extinct species, further deepening our understanding of Earth’s biological history. Her commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovative methodologies ensures that her legacy will endure, paving the way for future scientific breakthroughs in fossil preservation and molecular evolution. 
Notable Publications
Melanosomes and ancient coloration re-examined: A response to Vinther 2015
Authors: Mary Higby Schweitzer, Johan Lindgren, Alison E. Moyer
Journal: BioEssays
Year: 2015
Interpreting melanin-based coloration through deep time: A critical review
Authors: Johan Lindgren, Alison E. Moyer, Mary Higby Schweitzer, Bo Pagh Schultz, Benjamin P. Kear
Journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Year: 2015
Biologically and diagenetically derived peptide modifications in moa collagens
Authors: Timothy P. Cleland, Elena R. Schroeter, Mary Higby Schweitzer
Journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Year: 2015
A pelomedusoid turtle from the Paleocene-Eocene of Colombia exhibiting preservation of blood vessels and osteocytes
Authors: Edwin A. Cadena, Mary Higby Schweitzer
Journal: Journal of Herpetology
Year: 2014
Synchrotron chemical and structural analysis of Tyrannosaurus rex blood vessels: The contribution of collagen hypercrosslinking to tissue longevity
Authors: Elizabeth M. Boatman, Mark B. Goodwin, Hoi Ying N. Holman, Ronald Gronsky, John R. Horner
Journal: Microscopy and Microanalysis
Year: 2014
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