Marks Evans interviewed by Colin Hyde, 19 May 2008

Early recognition of natural history was interest in birds and dinosaurs. Junior teacher introduced stuffed animals into classroom. Encouraged by teachers to study at Loughborough Grammar where he took Biology, Chemistry and Maths A'levels. Awarded Fisons price in sixth form. Studied Biological Sciences at Birmingham University and explains why chose zoology over pharmacology. Mentions interest in palaeonotology encouraged by Robert Bakker book on dinosaurs/Gregory Paul's 'Predatory Dinosaurs of the World'. Explains how started PhD on exercise physiology of Eider ducks at Birmingham. Left to go on palaeontology course at UCL. Mentions Brendon Massey & Steve Publicover at Birmingham. Talks about specialism in Plesiosaurs and working on publication. Mentions volunteer at New Walk Museum with Jan Dawson in Biology 1994. Mentions John Martin. Talks about Museum Studies course. Volunteered at Natural History Museum on UCL material from South Africa. Surveyed 17th century fossil collection in Cambridge for dissertation. Talks about John Martin and Grace Griffiths. Mentions job in Cardiff at National Museum of Wales documenting bramble collection through Rubus Project and Geology department. Describes interview for New Walk Museum job. Started at Deputy Curator. Admires David Attenborough's Fabulous Animals. Talks about Oxford clay. Favourite book is Douglas Adams & Mark Carradine's 'Last Chance to See'. Favourite specimen is Barrow Kipper in New Walk. Reflects on ten years at New Walk.