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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!