By Cynthia McFarland
Leesburg Attorney Shares Passion As Dinosaur Fossil Hunter
Elaine Howard
“Attorney by day, dinosaur fossil hunter whenever possible” may sound like the blurb for an intriguing mystery book, but it’s actually a description of Elaine Howard.
After earning her law degree by age 25, Elaine expected to feel jubilant and accomplished, but instead found herself in a dark place. Although she had just started a career in her chosen field, she felt consumed by worry and doubt.
Her mindset changed with one tiny fossil.
“In 2005, a Spinosaurus tooth piqued my curiosity and led me to research whether or not it was real,” Elaine recalls. “I soon discovered not only was the fossil real, but I had a real interest in the field of paleontology.”
Excited to learn more, she joined the Florida Fossil Hunters and volunteered at the Orlando Science Center.
Elaine didn’t discover her passion until her 30s, but once she did, everything changed. She became a published author, producer, motivational speaker and social media influencer all because she pursued that passion.
Uncovering Mysteries
Elaine is an only child born in North Carolina when her dad was in the Marine Corps. She spent her early years living all over the Southeast until her family moved to Lake County in 1983.
Elaine graduated from Tavares High School in 1987 and Lake-Sumter Community College in 1989. She did her undergrad at Florida State University, graduating in 1991, and went to law school at Stetson University College of Law, earning her law degree in 1994.
Elaine was never a dinosaur fanatic as a kid, but she became totally hooked as her initial curiosity blossomed in adulthood.
“They’re such a mystery, but they were real animals. They’re so fascinating and diverse, from the small bird-like dinosaurs to the giant long-necked sauropods,” marvels Elaine.
In 2007, Elaine made her first quest to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, Wyoming. That opened a whole new door of discovery — Elaine gained experience in the field digging for dinosaur bones and prepping them in a lab.
She even completed the museum’s certification programs in field work and fossil preparation.
“Through my years of volunteering with the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and sharing my passion with others, I began to realize just how much my life had changed for the better,” says Elaine,
Fueled by that inspiration, in 2019 she wrote “Passion in the Bones,” a dinosaur-themed motivational book.
She also became an executive producer and part of the ensemble cast of the documentary “Why Dinosaurs?” by filmmakers Tony and James Pinto that includes “Jurassic World” director Colin Trevorrow and cinematographer Dean Cundey of “Jurassic Park,” “Halloween” and “Back to the Future” fame.
“The documentary has been a six-year labor of love for the filmmakers. They went around the world interviewing top paleontologists, fossil hunters, paleo artists and other dinosaur enthusiasts,” Elaine says.
Elaine walked the red carpet in Hollywood for the documentary’s premiere on November 3, 2023.
“The Hollywood premiere was incredible and even brought out celebrities such as Rikki Rockett, the drummer for the rock band Poison. It was an amazing experience,” she says. “The most memorable thing was meeting so many friends, many of whom I’ve known for years through social media, but this was our first time meeting in person as we came together to celebrate the film.”
*Visit www.whydinosaurs.com to find out how to watch the award-winning film.
Digging and Learning
Today, Elaine lives in Leesburg and works as an attorney, but her free time is devoted to her passion.
“Pursuing my interest in paleontology has opened up a whole new world of amazing opportunities, including a network of friends,” she says.
Ever since her first visit to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Elaine has returned year after year. In the process, she’s met fellow dinosaur enthusiasts from all over the world.
In her mind, going to Wyoming for a dig is the perfect vacation.
The western United States is rich in dinosaur bones and fossils. Elaine’s most exciting personal find was an Allosaurus tooth she uncovered at one of the Wyoming Dinosaur Center’s dig sites.
In June 2023, she was a guest speaker at Jurassic Fest: Passion for the Past, at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which attracted attendees from across the globe.
During the event, she was also able to spend time doing her favorite thing — digging for dinosaur bones.
“One way I share my passion for paleontology is by creating educational and inspiring content on social media. In doing so, I have built a worldwide following on Instagram,” says Elaine, who has over 35,000 followers on the platform.
“It’s never too late to pursue what you love,” Elaine adds. “My main message is, ‘Find and follow your passion, and then share it with others.’ If my life can be transformed by the power of passion, it can happen for anyone.”
"I fell in love with words early on and knew from fourth grade that I wanted to be a writer,” says Cynthia McFarland. A full-time freelancer since 1993 and the author of nine non-fiction books, her writing has earned regional and national awards. Cynthia lives on a small farm north of Ocala; her kids have fur and four legs
