Dr. Kenneth Lacovara
Dr. Kenneth Lacovara is a world-renowned paleontologist and geologist who discovered Dreadnoughtus, one of the largest dinosaurs ever unearthed. A TED speaker and member of The Explorers Club, he blends cutting-edge technology with field discovery to reshape how we understand ancient life and mass extinction. Dr. Lacovara is the founding dean of Rowan University’s School of Earth & Environment and leads the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum: an immersive science and education center inspiring curiosity and stewardship of the planet.
Academic Journey
From Student to Founding Dean: A Lifelong Commitment to Earth Sciences
Dr. Kenneth Lacovara’s academic path began at Rowan University, where he earned his B.S. in Geography in 1984 - a formative experience that ignited his passion for understanding the planet’s past. He continued his studies at the University of Maryland, earning a master’s degree in physical geography, and later completed a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Delaware in 1998. In 2015, Dr. Lacovara returned to his alma mater to join the faculty as the Founding Dean of the School of Earth & Environment. In this role, he has worked to elevate Rowan’s leadership in the geosciences by blending rigorous academic research with public engagement and sustainability education. His career reflects a deep commitment to both scientific discovery and inspiring the next generation of Earth stewards.
Explorer, Author, & TED Speaker
Why Dinosaurs Matter
His insightful book Why Dinosaurs Matter (Simon & Schuster/TED Books, 2017) earned a Nautilus Book Award for eloquently linking dinosaur science to modern environmental and existential questions.
Explorers Club Medal
In 2019, Dr. Lacovara was awarded The Explorers Club Medal — the Club’s highest honor - joining past luminaries like Neil Armstrong and Jane Goodall
TED and Media Presence
His TED Talk, “Hunting for dinosaurs showed me our place in the universe”, became one of TED's most-watched presentations, reflecting his talent for weaving scientific nuance with broader philosophical meaning. He’s appeared in numerous documentaries and high-profile media outlets, including Discover magazine (three times featured in “Top 100 Science Stories”)
Explorer, Author, & TED Speaker
Vision for the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum
Dr. Kenneth Lacovara’s vision for the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum is bold, urgent, and deeply inspiring: to connect people of all ages with Earth’s deep past in order to inspire a more sustainable future. As the Founding Executive Director, Dr. Lacovara is reimagining what a science museum can be - not just a place to observe, but a place to actively engage. At the heart of the park is a 66-million-year-old fossil site that captures the last moments of the dinosaur world, preserving a record of life just before the cataclysmic asteroid impact that ended the Age of Dinosaurs. Under his leadership, this extraordinary site is now a portal into deep time, where visitors can literally reach into the Earth and touch ancient history. But the vision extends far beyond fossils.
Dr. Lacovara believes that understanding the past empowers us to better protect the planet's future. The museum is designed to ignite curiosity, foster scientific literacy, and encourage stewardship of the natural world. With immersive exhibits, hands-on dig experiences, and cutting-edge educational programming, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum will be a model for science communication and environmental engagement inspiring the next generation of explorers, scientists, and changemakers.
