Dr. Mark Norell works in several areas of specimen-based and theoretical research. He works on the description and relationships of coelurosaurs and studies elements of the Asian Mesozoic fauna. He analyzes important new "feathered" dinosaurs from Liaoning, China, and develops theoretical methods for better understanding phylogenetic relationships and pattern in the fossil record. Under his co-direction with Michael Novacek, a team working in the Gobi desert since 1990 has produced a wealth of great specimens. Dr. Norell's theoretical work includes developing methodology for evaluating the effect of missing data on large data sets, and using phylogeny to estimate patterns in the fossil record such as diversity and extinction.