Phil Varela is currently a Paleontological Technician at Chaco Culture National Historical Park (Nageezi, New Mexico). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology from Carleton College (Northfield, Minnesota) and his particular interests include paleontology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, and museum studies.

His career goals include conducting field and/or laboratory research in the field of geology/paleontology, and he is enthusiastic at the prospect of travel opportunities. Additionally, he is interested in learning Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and plans to pursue a Graduate Certificate in GIS before completing a graduate degree program.