We were lucky to catch up with Bethany Burke Franklin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bethany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?

The historical figure I look up to is the mother of paleontology, Mary Anning. Mary was an amazing female paleontologist working on the Jurassic Coast of England, particularly Lyme Regis, in the early to mid 1800’s. She has was an incredible scientist! From discovering the first correctly identified skeleton of a marine reptile known as an ichthyosaur when she was only twelve, finding the first two nearly complete plesiosaur skeletons, and even contributing to the discovery/identification of coprolites as fossil poop, Mary was a powerhouse.

Despite her known prowess and expertise in the field of early paleontology, Mary Anning was not given the respect she deserved because she was a woman. The same people who barred her from joining the Geological Society of London, that would not give her credit for her monumental contributions to the field, where the ones behind the scenes consulting with her on their own studies. Only after her death, did Mary begin receiving the recognition she deserved.

Mary Anning stands as my life hero and role model. She’s one of the reasons I became a paleontologist. When I was about 3 years old my mother read me a book about dinosaurs and paleontology that featured Mary. From that point on I was deeply fascinated and invested in her story. As a kid, that came in the form of wanting to be just like her and to discover new species as a child like she did. As I’ve grown and throughout my twenties especially, she began representing great resilience as a woman in a STEM field. While the prejudice Mary Anning faced may seem draconian to us now in the 21st century, some things haven’t changed. Women still struggle to find their place in science.

When my first academic conference abstract published, I dedicated it to Mary Anning and my mother. The two women who have contributed the most to my love of Paleo. My mother for her undying support, and Mary, who 187 years after her death influences my life on a daily basis.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello friends! My name is Bethany Katherine Burke Franklin, and I’m a paleontologist! While the most famous type of paleontology has to do with dinosaurs, my field is a little different.

I study marine reptiles, particularly mosasaurs, as well as being a children’s paleontology educator!

I run the BKBONES company as the titular BKBones, and have frequently been described as “Ms Frizzle from Magic School Bus but with dinosaurs”. Literally the greatest compliment you could possibly give me! I bring real fossils and replicas to all my shows, letting the community get hands on and see things like a real dinosaur leg up close! I can’t forget my puppet sidekick Roofus the baby stegosaurus, or my life sized teenage T. rex skull Tina!

I travel across the US and give family friendly talks on dinosaurs and other Paleo topics at libraries and schools. I have an extensive background in children’s education and BKBones is the product of wanting to marry my passion for working with children with literal dream job as a paleontologist.

With BKBones I try to make science as accessible as possible, serve as a role model for young girls looking to be represented in STEM, and show everyone how following your dreams is worth it.

Love of paleontology and dinosaurs needs to be encouraged in the younger generation. Paleo is a gateway science and it is the ultimate joy in my life that I get to bring that to kiddos that wouldn’t be able to see that otherwise.

While I’m most known for my children’s shows, I’m also a publishing researcher active in the field. I go on paleontological digs, am working on naming a new species of animal, and serve as the lead marine reptile researcher at two small museums.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what sets me apart from other dinosaur show performers across the United States is that I’m an actual working scientist. When I’m not singing songs about dinosaurs with preschoolers, or teaching a class of fourth graders about the replica dinosaur skulls I bring, I’m out researching.

My research takes me all over the world, so I’m able to bring a completely new approach to children’s paleontology education. Am I dressed up in one of my 10+ colorful dinosaur dress while I do it? For sure! Will I go home after the show and jump right back into research? Absolutely. My job is my dream come true.

All in all, what sets me apart is my positive attitude and solid reputation as an active researcher!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

BKBones started as a dream venture in my dining room at the beginning of the pandemic. I’d lost my job as so many had during lockdown, and had no idea what I was going to do. When I was 15 I had contracted the antibiotic resistant form of staph infection known as MRSA, and to spare the gory details, came wildly close to dying. Over three years in and out of a pediatric hospital, a true nightmare with innumerable complications, but I made it through.

Though I’d been healthy and out of the hospital for more than half a decade by the beginning of the pandemic, I was high risk. I needed to be extremely careful and prioritize my health. What did that mean? I stayed in my home for the first 4 months of the pandemic, going into large public spaces only when necessary.

So I found myself at home, no job, reevaluating what I wanted my life to look like. I actually went to university the first time for something completely different than paleontology, research writing. In my mind, going to school for paleontology hadn’t been a viable option, so I forced myself to do so trying other than my passion. One day I was sitting on my bed, reading about a newly discovered dinosaur, when it just clicked! If the world was completely changing, I could too. If the world was going through crazy turmoil, this was my time to follow my dreams!

I began looking for college classes for paleontology and took them. I went on college digs, got my certification in advanced fossil prep. I invested in myself.

BKBones began during the pandemic. People were telling me it was foolish to start a business during lockdown, but I didn’t see it that way. Children who were stuck at home where looking for new and exciting things to keep their interest. Parents were panicking because suddenly they were having to serve as both caretakers and teachers. I held my first BKBones show outside, social distancing, with fossil props in a park by where I grew up. Quick shout out to my mentor Dinosaur George for helping me with the replicas and funding my niche!

BKBones has gone from occasional tiny outdoor shows with maybe 10 kiddos joining, to being booked everyday this summer! My record show was 500 audience members! I regularly speak to over 1000 people in a weekend!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bkbones.com
• Instagram: Bkbonesdinos
• Facebook: Bkbonesdinos
• Other: I have a YouTube channel coming, but it’s not ready just yet!

  I’m most active on Instagram!