University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Major: Anthropology
Year: Junior

I am a junior majoring in Anthropology. I currently hold a TA position for an intro class for Biological Anthropology at my university. My interests within the field of Anthropology are
focused with early hominin evolution. My hobbies outside of my academics are reading, playing ultimate Frisbee, and occasionally relaxing with friends. This is will be my first time doing any
field work outside of the United States and I look forward to experiencing a completely new culture.

Southwest Texas Junior College
Major: Chemical Engineering
Year: Junior

I am currently one semester away from beginning my Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering. Besides my interest in chemistry, there are many things I enjoy to do. I love photography, art, plan propagation, and spending time with my family and two dogs. I’m excited for this REU, since it will be my first research experience outside of my field.

Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Major: Anthropology
Year: Junior

I am a junior currently majoring in evolutionary anthropology and minoring in geological sciences. My dream as a child was to be an archaeologist, and after many career and major changes, it seems that I’ve accidentally chosen to study archaeology, and I couldn’t be happier doing it. I’m more than excited to get hands on experience with real artifacts and data, and to meet everyone else who shares my passion for anthropology!

University of South Alabama
Major: Anthropology
Year: Junior

My name is Brittney Highland, and I am a junior at the University of South Alabama where I currently study. Anthropology is my first true love, and I have dedicated myself and my
life to research in this field. I am deeply passionate about Paleoanthropology, and Evolutionary Anthropology. My independent studies and research focuses on subsistence practices and
cultural transmission of hominin. My hobbies include painting, going to the beach, and exploring the outdoors. I am thrilled to be a part of MSA REU Program, and I am excited to learn more
about the depths of the human past.

Colorado College
Major: Geology
Year: Junior

I am a geology major and environmental issues minor, and I absolutely love science, rock climbing, biking, and hiking. At Colorado College, I enjoy participating in environmental student groups, working with the Office of Sustainability, and singing in choir. I have previously researched archaeological sites in New Mexico, sediment in tidally-influenced Texas rivers, and soil loss on construction sites in North Carolina. Currently, I am learning about ice and climate science while studying abroad in Denmark. In the MSA program, I hope to gain insight into past environmental changes and the ways in which environmental fluctuations have influenced past humans. I could not be more excited to build on my passions for geology and archaeology in this unique research program!

University of Texas at Austin
Major: Anthropology
Grade: Junior

I am a junior with a current focus in biology, specifically on the evolutionary dynamics of various organisms under heavy selection pressures. I work in an eco-evo lab at UT Austin researching the co-evolution of stickleback fish and their parasites, as well as altruism and cooperation in vampire bats from Panama. I am also a passionate rock climber, animal bone/bug collector, and long-range backpacker. This research program is an exciting addition to my repertoire, and I hope to learn something new about how early humans co-evolved with their environment (and maybe I’ll even find some neat rocks to climb in the highlands!)

Western Washington University
Major: Anthropology- Archaeology concentration
Year: Junior

I’m from southeastern Idaho but am currently living in Washington state for college. I am an anthropology-archaeology concentration major with a minor in chemistry. I love to backpack, fish, bike, climb, ski and – in general – have fun outdoors. I have been to one other dig in Cody, Wyoming and have worked for about one year in as an undergraduate chemistry researcher student studying polymer ligands for luminescent solar concentrators. My childhood dream of becoming an archaeologist still lives on and I am stoked to be a part of the project! I thoroughly look forward to meeting other budding archaeologists and scientists in a vastly different environment. I am very excited about the tent camp, local food, and to meet the community surrounding our
project in Ethiopia!

Montana State University
Major: Liberal Studies – Quaternity
Year: Junior

I am Junior at MSU working on getting my BA degree with the pre-Medical intake program. I’d say my interests are well-rounded ranging from fine art to natural science. I’m a dedicated student with high hopes of making my way into Medical Illustration or even medical school. I would like to take my interests beyond the U.S. into the Anthropology realm of Ethiopia.