Kathryn K. Musica
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Dear Distinguished Members of the Notre Dame Anthropology Community:
I am very grateful to have been offered the opportunity to participate in this Research Training Program at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. Your generosity, which made possible my ten weeks of research at such an exciting place, has helped guide my interests and career goals, affecting my life for more than just this summer.
The Notre Dame - NMNH Internship Program allowed me to take part in all of the opportunities afforded to the Research Training Program participants. It was an amazing adventure, ranging from lectures on agricultural ants and fossil sea creatures to collection tours including rocks from Mars and extinct birds such as the ivory-billed woodpecker. Seeing the millions of specimens that the Smithsonian has to offer that are not available to the public in the museum exhibits was, in itself, an experience of a lifetime. In addition, learning about pioneering research in every field from the top scientists themselves, and getting to discuss their projects and career paths with them personally, has greatly expanded my familiarity of areas of study outside my own, reinforcing my love for a large foundation body of knowledge.
In addition to getting a taste of all areas of science, I had ample time to conduct my own research for my specific project of solving the mystery of the busts in the attic. Working with the Repatriation Office for the Department of Anthropology was a good fit with my interest in Native Americans and desire to learn about all areas of anthropology. I was able to explore different research methods myself, as well as discuss ideas with other anthropologists. Exposure to such a high caliber of scientists and a large body of specimens and artifacts is an experience that I will never forget.
As I consider which area of anthropology I would like to focus my life and future career, this opportunity has given me more direction in an area in which I was interested, and a chance to explore other areas and ideas as well. Thank you for opening a wonderful world of opportunity to me.
Sincerely,
Kathryn K. Musica
University of Notre Dame - NMNH Internship Program in Anthropology
Class of '04