MSA REU 2015-2016
Rutgers University
Major: Evolutionary Anthropology
Year: sophomore

I am currently a sophomore majoring in Evolutionary Anthropology and minoring in Animal Science.  In addition, I currently hold a teacher’s aide position at a local preschool in my hometown of Piscataway, New Jersey.  I am the proud owner of three amazing dogs and I enjoy playing various percussion instruments in my spare time. I am very interested in learning about the habits and cultures of our ancestors in order to gain a better understanding of where we came from as a species. This will be my first experience researching in the field, and I couldn’t be more excited! I am looking forward to working alongside great mentors, as well as with the other talented students.

MSA REU 2015-2016
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Major: Biological Sciences
Year: sophomore

I am a sophomore currently studying in the Life Sciences Department. After graduating from high school as Valedictorian in 2014, my academic goals at UNLV are to receive a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences along with a possible minor in biological anthropology and/or psychology. I have lived in the Las Vegas Valley for my entire life and am interested in the peculiarity and beauty of all sciences. I was eager to attend the University as a Biology major hoping to learn more about the sciences and myself by putting my academic skills to the test. Being a part of the MSA Research program is an opportunity of a lifetime and I am greatly looking forward to working with the team and staff in Ethiopia to expand my scientific knowledge and experience more of the world I find so intriguing.

MSA REU 2015-2016
The University of Texas at Austin
Major: Geological Sciences
Year: junior

I am a first generation college student and am fortunate to be studying Geology. Besides dedicating most of my time to school and research, I have found my passions for paleontology, Latin dancing, and CrossFit, which leads to my involvement as an officer for the Undergraduate Geological Society, Longhorn Salsa, and Texas WOD Club. I have been privileged to be a part of the following programs at UT: Summer Bridge, Gateway Scholars, McNair Scholars, the University Leadership Network, and the 2015 Cohort for Study Abroad in Beijing.

MSA REU 2015-2016
Rutgers University
Major: Anthropology and Linguistics
Year: junior

I am a junior and am currently studying abroad at Leiden University in the Netherlands. I am double majoring in anthropology and linguistics with a minor in French. I would like to eventually pursue a Ph.D. in archaeology. I have participated on one other dig in the past, and I look forward to expanding my experience in the field.