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Middle Stone Age NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates

Maria Bodansky

Macalester College
Major: Geology
Year: Junior

My name is Maria Bodansky and I’m a junior majoring in geology at Macalester College in Minnesota. This semester I’m studying at James Cook University in Australia (and really enjoying how many wallabies there are!). Within my major I’m interested in paleontology and sedimentology. Outside of school I also really like to read, paint, and spend time with my pets when I’m at home. I’m really excited be a part of field work in Ethiopia and to learn about human and environmental interactions in the Middle Stone Age.

Connor Elliott

Appalachian State University
Major: Anthropology – Biological Concentration

My name is Connor Elliott, I am a biological anthropology student at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. I’ve always loved learning about human evolution and foodways. I am interested in the origins of agriculture and horticultural behaviors, I am also interesting in studying how these behaviors changed human health and society over time. I enjoy cooking, hiking, and going to local punk shows. I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to be apart of this program!

Nicholas Ford

University of Texas at Austin
Major: Anthropology
Year: Junior

I am a third-year student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in anthropology with interests in biological anthropology, as well as archaeology and bioarchaeology. This will be my
first time doing research in the field and I look forward to the experience! I’m from Houston, but I really enjoy living and going to school in Austin. In my free time I’m usually hiking, swimming, rock climbing, or reading when I have the time.

Alaric Sollenberger

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Major: Anthropology
Year: Junior

I am a Junior at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and am majoring in anthropology with a focus on paleoanthropology and paleoneurology. I love studying about the cognition of hominins and in particular, Neanderthals. I also enjoy studying about genetics and human dispersal. Outside of studying I love to draw, write, read, travel, and play with my dog.

Julia Sponholtz

University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa
Major: Anthropology, Biology, and Spanish

My name is Julia Sponholtz, and I’m studying Anthropology, Biology, and Spanish at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. My research interests are mainly in bioarchaeology with a focus on diet and health, but I am excited to learn about and use many other techniques in archaeology in order to understand the MSA people more fully. So far, I have participated in field schools in Georgia and Ireland, and at my university I work in an osteology lab as well as a biocultural anthropology lab. Outside of school, I like reading, cooking, and wearing fun outfits. As I have only studied more recent peoples, I am really looking forward to the opportunity to excavate and research a site of such antiquity in this program!

Kelsey Jane Talbot

Oregon State University
Major: Anthropology and Geography

I am currently studying biocultural anthropology and geography at Oregon State University. Throughout my coursework I have developed a passion for paleoanthropology and bioarchaeology, as well as an interest in GIS and its applicability in anthropology. I am very excited to be a part of this program and get the chance to travel to Ethiopia to conduct field research and work with the National Museum of Ethiopia.

Emily Lange

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Major: Anthropology – Archaeology Concentration
Year: Junior

My name is Emily Lange, and I am currently studying archaeology with a minor in classical and religious studies. I absolutely love archaeology, and am excited to be serving as an archaeology research assistant at my university. I have additional research and fieldwork experience through my participation in the REU: Exploring Evidence of the Anthropocene. Within my discipline, I am particularly interested in Near Eastern archaeology, prehistoric settlement patterns, and the origins of agriculture. I am so excited for the opportunity to participate in this unique project, and can’t wait to learn more about Middle Stone Age environment and its inhabitants.

Keenan Riordan

University of Texas at Dallas
Major: Physics
Year: Freshman

I’m a freshman attending the University of Texas at Dallas, I was born and raised in Austin, Texas and currently I’m majoring in physics. I love the challenge of physics and I find tremendous joy in solving problems that I devote time to think about. Outside of school I like to power lift, write poetry (on occasion), and draw. This will be my first professional research experience and I am immensely excited to go overseas and conduct actual field work!

Braenn Smith

Sheridan College
Major: Machine Tool Technology
Year: Freshman

I am a first year student studying Machining at Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyoming. I’ve always been fascinated by archaeology and I am so excited to participate in the Program. The only experience I’ve had in archaeology was assisting Professor Kappelman and Dr. Larry Todd into the backcountry of Meeteetse, Wyoming to dig. My hobbies include playing guitar, horn-hunting, fishing, and welding. My love of history and my interest in archaeology come from growing up in Wyoming; an area full of rich history. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful program!

Lindsey Trombetta

Austin Community College
Major: Anthropology

My name is Lindsey Trombetta, and I’m an anthropology major with an archaeology concentration currently attending ACC in Austin Texas. I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to take part in the MSA REU program, and am particularly interested in the ritual customs and activities of the distant past and how these may have influenced early human behavior and the origins of culture. Outside of school I am a borosilicate glassblower and love traveling as much as I possibly can. Locally I enjoy hiking, rock climbing and stand up paddle boarding- usually with at least one of my two dogs in tow!

Jordon Crowell

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.

Karla de la Cruz

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.

Matthew Fanuka

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!

Brittany Highland

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.

Sierra Melton

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!

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Sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the Leakey Foundation.