Jack Horner (paleontologist): Biography, Achievements & Lasting Legacy

John Robert Horner is an American paleontologist who described Maiasaura, providing the first clear evidence that some non-avian dinosaurs cared for their young. In addition to his paleontological discoveries, Horner served as the technical advisor for the first five Jurassic Park films, had a cameo appearance in Jurassic World, and served as a partial inspiration for one of the lead characters of the franchise, Dr. Alan Grant.

Horner studied at the University of Montana, although he did not complete his degree due to undiagnosed dyslexia, and was awarded a Doctorate in Science honoris causa. He retired from Montana State University on July 1, 2016, although he claims to have been pushed out of the Museum of the Rockies after having married an undergraduate student 46 years his junior and then taught as a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University. In 2026, his connections with Jeffrey Epstein attracted controversy and in February 2026 his employment with Chapman University ended.