BE ADVISED: June 11–14, the FIFA Fan Festival at the Coliseum will cause heavy traffic and limited parking around the Natural History Museum. Please plan ahead and consider taking the Metro E (Expo) Line and exiting at the USC/Expo station.

Erika Durazo

Senior Paleontological Preparator, Dinosaur Institute

Erika Durazo is a Senior Paleontological Preparator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Dinosaur Institute. She specializes in fossil preparation, from meticulous lab work to field excavations across the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico. Notably, she played a key role in excavating and preparing “Gnatalie,” a green-hued sauropod on display at NHM Commons. Passionate about science communication, Erika actively contributes to NHM’s education and outreach programs, inspiring curiosity about prehistoric life and STEM careers.

Watch Erika describe her experiences in the field:

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