Danielle F. Royer
University of Toronto
Toronto, CANADA
Dear Ambassador and Mrs. Lane,
I am writing this letter from my desk in the lab of the Human Origins Program at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Just a short time ago, that would have seemed like a preposterous idea; something out of a dream or a fantasy. Yet thanks to your kindness and generosity, here I am, at the Smithsonian.
I am at a loss as to how to properly convey to you my immense gratitude for the support that you have given me. Perhaps the only gesture I can give in thanks is to show you how your generosity has helped me, and will continue to help me throughout my career.
I am from a small border town in southeastern Ontario, Canada. I have recently graduated from the University of Toronto, in Canada, with an Honours Bachelor of Science, majors in Biological Anthropology and Prehistoric Archaeology. It was while taking an introductory anthropology course in my freshman year that I developed a passion for palaeoanthropology, the study of human evolution; a passion which has only strengthened since that time. I was, and still am, determined to make palaeoanthropology my lifelong career. However, like all dreams, there were obstacles to overcome. The study of palaeoanthropology is simply not a research focus in Canada. If I was serious about pursuing graduate studies in palaeoanthropology (which I am!), and obtaining a research career in this field (which I am!), I would have to look outside of my beloved Canada. Therefore, I turned my attentions south, much to the dismay of some of my colleagues, family and friends (the "brain drain" to the US is a real fear in Canada). But how was I supposed to make my mark (or even my entrance!) in a new and unfamiliar country, where I had no established networks or contacts? Enter the Research Training Program! With your kind support, combined with support from the National Science Foundation, I was welcomed with open arms into the Smithsonian community. Suddenly, I was no longer alone: I was part of the RTP, part of the Human Origins Program, part of the Anthropology Department, part of the National Museum of Natural History! This has been a truly amazing opportunity, from which I will benefit for the rest of my life. This fall, once the RTP is over, and after I have returned from two weeks of fieldwork in Kenya with Dr. R. Potts, I will begin doctoral studies in palaeoanthropology at SUNY Stony Brook. The skills I have acquired during the RTP, and the contacts that I have made will surely be put to good use in an American graduate school. All of this is thanks to you.
I do not know what motivated you to support the RTP. However, I would like you both to know that this gesture of support and faith will motivate me during my graduate studies and beyond. Perhaps one day I can provide a similar gift to an aspiring researcher. Thank you for extending your generosity beyond the boundaries of your country.
Most Sincerely,
Danielle Royer
Research Training Program, 2003
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