Dr. Robert Feranec

Director of Research and Collections, Curator of Pleistocene Vertebrate Paleontology
robert.feranec@nysed.gov
518-474-5819

While my interests encompass a broad scope of topics including influences on biogeography, causes of speciation and adaptive radiation, and triggers of extinction, my research has been focused at describing the evolution of ecology in mammals.  My research concentrates on examining ecology in mammals from short time scales (seasons) to very long time scales (millions of years). 

In order to understand ecology of fossil mammals, the modern quantitative and analytical techniques I employ include stable isotope geochemistry, utilization of bioinformatics databases, and computer-based imaging of fossils which permits quantitative analysis of various morphological features.  Fieldwork is also an important aspect of my research program, and I have conducted or participated in excavations in the U.S. and Spain. 

Typical questions addressed in my research include:

How does climate change effect ecology?
Does ecology change during development?
Does immigration/dispersal of new species affect ecology?
Does extinction/extirpation of species affect ecology?

I am interested and open to collaboration within and beyond North America.  Potential collaborators, including current or potential graduate students, are encouraged to email me.

Publications

2024

A. Gore, V. Schmitt 2024, Architectural Survey of PIN 5011.37.121, Pavement Project, New York State Route 93, Village of Youngstown, Niagara County, New York.. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the 10/2024,New York State Museum, Albany, New York
A. Gore, V. Schmitt 2024, Architectural Survey of PIN 5110.16.101, ADA/Pedestrian Improvement Project, New York State Route 474, BIN 1029820 to Clymer Hill/Caflisch Roads, Town of Clymer, Chautauqua County, New York. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the ,New York State Museum, Albany, New York
A. Gore, V. Schmitt 2024, Architectural Survey of PIN 5181.10.101 Safety Project, New York State Route 270 from North French Road to Tonawanda Creek Road, Town of Amherst, Erie County, New York. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the 05/2024,New York State Museum, Albany, New York
A. Gore, V. Schmitt 2024, Structure Documentation: North Salem Stone Box Culvert, Small Culvert Replacement (Future C871009), New York State Route 116 over Tributary of Titicus River, Town of North Salem, Westchester County, New York. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the ,New York State Museum, Albany, New York

2023

V. Schmitt 2023, Architectural Survey of PIN 1810.91.121 Culvert C150116 Repair/Replacement, US Route 4, Town of Saratoga, Saratoga County, New York. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the 08/2023,New York State Museum, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt 2023, Architectural Survey of PIN 2807.02.101, Culvert Repair/Replace Project 20: CINs 260194 \& 260195, New York State Route 26, Town of Lee, Oneida County, New York. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the ,New York State Museum, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt 2023, Historic American Engineering Record, Route 11 Bridge over the Oneida River. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the ,New York State Museum, Albany, New York

2022

V. Schmitt 2022, Cultural Resource Architectural Survey, PIN 2236.28.121, NY Route 29 over Caroga Creek Bridge Replacement, Town of Ephrata, Fulton County, New York. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the ,New York State Museum, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt 2022, Cultural Resource Architectural Survey, PIN 1124.42.121, New York State Route 23A over Kaaterskill Creek, Town of Catskill, Greene County, New York. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the ,New York State Museum, Albany, New York
V. Schmitt 2022, Cultural Resource Architectural Survey, PIN 1124.42.121, New York State Route 23A over Kaaterskill Creek, Town of Catskill, Greene County, New York. Cultural Resource Survey Program. Presented at the ,New York State Museum, Albany, New York