Adele Pentland is a palaeontologist currently based in Naarm Melbourne on a mission to connect the public with the bizarre prehistoric animals that once called Australia home. Over the course of her career, she has spent more than 30 weeks in the field, unearthing 100-million-year-old dinosaur fossils alongside teams of dedicated citizen scientists.

A final-year PhD candidate at Curtin University, Adele specialises in pterosaurs—the extraordinary flying reptiles often mistaken for dinosaurs. Though not technically dinosaurs, pterosaurs are a fascinating group of animals unlike anything else alive today, with the largest species standing as tall as giraffes and boasting wingspans that rival small aircraft.

During her PhD, Adele discovered the two most complete species of pterosaur ever found in Australia. She works closely with museums across the country to bring these discoveries to life through engaging, accessible exhibitions that have reached hundreds of thousands of visitors. She is particularly passionate about collaborating with regional museums in central-western Queensland, helping to promote science tourism whilst also supporting regional communities.

A dedicated science communicator, Adele also hosts the family-friendly podcast Pals in Palaeo, speaking with others in the field about their research, experiences and pathways into palaeontology.