Nathan Vallée-Gillette

Nathan Vallée-Gillette is a micro-preparator in paleontology, specializing in small vertebrate fossils and fragile specimens. With field and lab expertise, he handles excavation, mechanical and chemical preparation, and the molding and casting of delicate research specimens, ensuring alignment with scientific study needs.

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Function

Nathan Vallée-Gillette is the paleontological micro-preparator for the Palaeobiosphere Evolution research team at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS). In this role, he assists the team with his expertise in both field excavation and laboratory preparation. Specializing in small vertebrate fossils and fragile specimens, he uses mechanical and chemical techniques, as well as molding and casting delicate research specimens, ensuring alignment with scientific study needs. Nathan's approach to each project prioritizes scientific requirements and the preservation of valuable fossil specimens, with a touch of craftsmanship.

Research team: Palaeobiosphere Evolution

Current Project(s)

PERISSORIGIN - Origin and early radiation of perissodactyls based on precious fossil collections
Nathan is responsible for the preparation, molding, and casting of the fossil specimens studied.

A large-scale paleontological excavation in Lebanon documents terrestrial ecosystem of the Cretaceous
Nathan was on the excavation site as a technical expert and on-site preparator. Now at the lab he prepare multiples fossils and help with any technicalities.

Area of Expertise

Nathan has expertise in various preparation techniques, continually refining his methods and adapting to new technologies in his field. His skills include mechanical methods with microscopes, air scribing for matrix removal, and chemical techniques such as acid treatment, iron reduction, and clay desegregation. He specializes in the micropreparation of small vertebrates, with particular focus on micro-molding and casting. His work emphasizes durable and reversible methods, and he is also knowledgeable in non-invasive techniques like CT scanning.

External activities

Founder of PRePal ( Réseau francophone de préparation et restauration paléontologique)
A network for french speaking paleontological preparator and conservator to share and discuss methods and techniques.

Professional Experience

With a bachelor's degree in geology and a master's in paleontology focused on anatomy, sedimentology, and taphonomy, Nathan gained early experience through multiple internships in paleontological preparation. His Master of Science thesis explored the forward-looking application of X-ray tomography and laser-induced fluorescence for preparing paleontological specimens. Nathan also worked at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris, France, where he was involved in the preparation of Permian specimens from Morocco.

Dissemination activities

Scanning iguanodons