Research Experience

This research takes place in the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Connecticut. My senior thesis will revolve around this study.

This was a two-year-long project that involved biological research with the Mystic Aquarium labs at UConn Avery Point, as well as a trip to Point Lay, Alaska, when I participated in the tribal cultural exchange program. My research in Alaska was deeply anthropological and examined beluga whale migration patterns in accordance with climate change. 

This adventure made a strong first impression of what quality anthropological research looked like. We drove up and down the coast of the entire South Island, where I got to know several members of the Ngāi Tahu iwi (part of the Māori iwi).

This independent study took place in the department of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut. My research project involved a historical analysis and a cross-cultural comparison of psychedelic drug use across the world.

Although there was no project associated with my time at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, my exposure to artifacts and training in artifact restoration was essential in understanding elements of past cultures that are relevant to me today.

In conjunction with the trip to New Zealand, I also visited Australia. My dad, an anthropologist, was tracking ancient mariners at the time, which brought us to several conferences at the University of Sydney. This experience gave me a glimpse of what life in academia would be like.