On Wednesday, November 11 at 7 p.m., Sheridan College will open its doors to a fascinating talk about a marine marvel that now resides in Wyoming. Sheila Flynn, a longtime educator and former dental hygienist, will present her lecture titled “How the Skeleton of a Dolphin, Named Val, Came to Wyoming from California.” The event will be held in Room 153 of the Whitney Academic Building and will be streamed via Zoom for anyone who cannot attend in person.
From San Clemente to Sheridan: The Discovery
In 2006, while on a paleontology field trip to San Clemente, California, Michael Flynn—then a geology and paleontology instructor at Sheridan College—located the skull of a dolphin. With the assistance of fellow field‑study participants and under a marine‑mammal collection permit, his wife, Sheila Flynn, uncovered the remainder of the skeleton. Determined to bring the find back to Sheridan, she spent three years researching and re‑articulating the bones.
By 2009 the complete skeleton, affectionately called “Val,” was displayed in the college’s Museum of Discovery, accompanied by a mural painted by local artist Ellen Dudley. When the museum underwent a remodel in 2024, Val was transferred to the Geology Museum at the University of Wyoming, where researchers plan to compare the specimen with ancient marine reptiles and other marine mammals.
Flynn’s Scientific Contributions
Sheila Flynn’s involvement with paleontology extends beyond the Val discovery. She joined her husband on additional field studies in San Clemente from 2004 to 2005, focusing on dental disease in fossilized marine mammals. In 2013 she co‑authored a study documenting dental calculus on a Miocene toothed whale tooth, providing evidence of periodontal disease in ancient species. Her 24‑year career as a dental hygienist in Sheridan gave her a unique perspective on oral health, both past and present.
Community Engagement
Associate Professor of Biology Scott Newbold expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming lecture, noting, “It’s such an interesting story; to hear how she became interested in the ways Mr. Flynn’s work connected with her own. Then to see how she brought the story to the community and contributed her own research. I think everyone will enjoy this lecture.” The talk is free and open to the public, reflecting Sheridan College’s commitment to connecting residents with scholarly expertise.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the fieldwork, the re‑articulation process, and the broader implications of studying marine fossils in a land‑locked state. The Zoom link will be posted on the college’s website (www.sheridan.edu/lecture) shortly before the event.
Why This Matters to Sheridan
Beyond the scientific intrigue, the lecture underscores the value of local institutions fostering curiosity and education. By sharing the journey of Val, Sheridan College highlights how community members can contribute to meaningful research, even in fields that seem far removed from everyday life. The event also offers a reminder of the college’s role as a hub for lifelong learning, inviting families, students, and seniors alike to explore the natural world together.
For more information about the lecture or to register for the Zoom broadcast, visit the Sheridan College events page or contact the college’s public‑relations office.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
