People

Peter Lovisek, Founder and Director

Peter Lovisek is a natural history entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in fossils, minerals, and meteorites. At just 17, he founded Fossil Realm, which has since evolved into a renowned gallery and consultancy specializing in the curation of world-class specimens. Among his many achievements, Peter notably brokered the unrestored bones of “Willard,” a massive Triceratops skeleton later displayed at the Hong Kong Science Museum. His expertise has also been instrumental in developing prominent private collections, where he combines scientific insight, market knowledge, and an eye for beauty. 

Peter’s passion for the natural world began in childhood, during fossil-collecting trips with his family. These early experiences sparked a lifelong fascination with paleontology and earth sciences, eventually leading him to contribute to collections at esteemed institutions such as CosmoCaixa in Barcelona and the University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Museum. Dedicated to education and outreach, Peter has donated hundreds of fossils to schools across North America and supports organizations like Penn Dixie Fossil Park. As a patron of the Royal Ontario Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature, Peter is deeply committed to fostering public engagement with Earth’s natural history.

With a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Toronto, Peter brings an interdisciplinary approach to his work, merging scientific thinking, systems-based reasoning, and a passion for narrative-driven curation. His consultancy services go beyond valuations and acquisitions—he provides strategic insight into the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of specimens, helping clients see fossils not just as objects, but as storied artifacts embedded in broader contexts. Through his partnership with Konvi, Peter is helping to pioneer fractional ownership in the natural history market, democratizing access to rare and valuable pieces.

Based in Ottawa with his wife, Hélène, and their two sons, Peter balances professional life with a deep commitment to family and personal growth. An avid long distance runner, he has completed over 10 marathons.  

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• AAPS - Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences
• IMCA - International Meteorite Collectors Association (Member No. 4875)

Jim Lovisek, Scientific Advisor (Former)

Jim's role as scientific advisor and business mentor was indispensable in the early years of Fossil Realm. His enthusiasm for the natural sciences was singular and his eagerness to converse about animals (alive or extinct) was memorable.  

Jim's professional life was coloured by a fascination for the natural world and an adventurous entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to a decades-long involvement in commercial paleontology, he worked as a herpetologist, nature camp director, and animal wrangler in the entertainment industry.

After graduating from university in the mid-1970's, Jim spent several years researching wildlife in the Amazon rainforest, including the Yacare Caiman and the Amazonian manatee. Upon his return from South America, Jim was hired as a research associate at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. 

Educating the public was a high priority for Jim. For 16 years he co-directed the Toronto Nature Centre Summer Camp with his wife, Liz Komisar. During this period he also presented hundreds of hands-on wildlife talks across the nation, including “Dinosaurs Alive!”.

Photo Credit: Nick Iwanyshyn / York Region Media Group

Liz Komisar, Acquisitions Advisor

Liz brings a wealth of practical experience to the development and marketing of the collections. After graduating from The University of Toronto, she headed Media Relations at The Royal Ontario Museum where she promoted displays, behind-the-scenes museum collections and significant research. She mounted hundreds of tropical insects and designed their display for The Ontario Science Centre’s Jungles Alive Show.

Liz co-founded The Toronto Nature Centre Summer Camp with her husband Jim Lovisek. The camp introduced life and earth sciences through hands on workshops, field trips and daily sessions with live animals. During the 16 year run of the camp, Liz created fossil and mineral teaching units for several Boards of Education in Ontario. For several years in the late nineties, she also presented a weekly series of science workshops for the Institute of Child Studies (associated with the University of Toronto).

After the closure of the nature camp, she acquired a Bachelor of Education at The University of Toronto and started teaching full time. Throughout the operation of The Toronto Nature Centre and with the subsequent establishment of Fossil Realm (after Jim’s passing), Liz has enjoyed an active role in the development, marketing and sales of collections. She currently contributes to Fossil Realm operations by advising on acquisitions. In her free time, she enjoys painting and writing.

Paulena Moote, Operations Manager

As Operations Manager for Fossil Realm, Paulena’s role is to ensure efficient operations of both the physical and online galleries, focusing on optimizing workflows, inventory management, and logistics. Paulena plays a key role in executing digital strategies, liaising with developers to maintain the website, managing social media content, and overseeing product photography. She collaborates closely with the Collections Assistant, Gallery Manager, and Director to streamline administrative tasks and support a cohesive, polished experience for in-gallery visitors and online clients. With a keen eye for detail, a diverse skill set in operational management and youthful creative marketing strategies, she brings a fresh and dynamic approach to Fossil Realm’s mission. Drawing from her background in competitive sports and a passion for physical and mental well-being, Paulena is committed to fostering growth and positive change in her professional career.

Noah Pomeranchik, Collections Administrator 

As the Collections Administrator for Fossil Realm, Noah contributes to the identification of minerals and fossils, oversees photography, manages the inventory database, and supports website-related activities. Currently pursuing his BSc in geosciences at the University of Ottawa, he has a strong background in the mining industry, mineralogy, and project management. Noah's passion for minerals and fossils was ignited in childhood, driving his future ambitions to dive into the mining industry.