Rowan O'Connor

I am a motivated and self-directed Evolutionary Biology and Psychology college graduate seeking to apply skills in critical thinking, research and biological lab and field practice in an internship or graduate position. My academic training combined with an enthusiastic willingness to learn and overcome challenges will enable me to excel in and uniquely contribute to research projects.

The Life, Death, and Legacy of Ӧtzi the Iceman, ANTH 4180 with Dr. Lauren Hosek, 12/01/22

Wrote a paper critically discussing interpretations of the remains of a person from the Copper Age, nicknamed 'Ötzi the Iceman.' This paper covers several topics, including the distinctions and connections between biology and culture, the influence of narratives on scientific conclusions, interpretations of material evidence, the consequences of a modern perspective on understanding the past, and the ethics inherent to these concepts.

Tool use in Australopithecus and Paranthropus, ANTH 4160, with Dr Matt Sponheimer, 05/01/23

Lead a team of students to complete a short film final project, making an evidence-based argument that tool use did not begin with the genus Homo, as is commonly believed, but likely rather in the hominid genera Australopithecus and/or Paranthropus. Made use of existing literature, visual media, and humor to present a logical and compelling theory, suited to both academic and non-academic audiences.

Link: https://youtu.be/GmngV1DPjQQ?si=ofxKaDiZFJspnWeN 

Primate Behavior Project, ANTH 3000, 05/01/24, Dr. Grietje van der Heide wrote a paper based on self-conducted observational studies of Japanese macaques, Hamadryas baboons, and Gelada baboons, centered on feeding and social behaviors. Data suggested increased food-related agonism in the provisioned macaque population, in comparison with the captive baboons.

Capstone Project - Field Ornithology, EBIO 4100, 07/01/24, Haley Kenyon, Lead an independent research project requiring the design and completion of a study using learned field techniques. Designed and carried out an experiment to understand how flower color influences feeding behavior of Broad Tailed Hummingbirds and Rufous Hummingbirds. The results indicated that the hummingbirds showed a statistically significant preference for yellow and orange flowers over blue and green flowers during the experiment, which is informative for understanding behavior as well as conservation efforts. Made use of engaging and humorous visuals to appeal to the audience and make the presentation memorable., https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1H9SP-i_XzVOiYSNzjm7C4gPPM8HFBNyPLZzwV3fXFN0/edit?usp=sharing

• Experienced mixed martial artist (taekwondo and karate)
• Wildlife and landscape photographer
• Digital and traditional artist, including acrylic, watercolor, and fiber arts

• My academic achievements placed me on the CU Boulder College of Arts and Sciences Dean's List for the following semesters: Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2023, and Spring 2024.
• I have earned several trophies participating in mixed martial arts tournaments, including first place in kata, and second place in sparring.
• I won several awards participating in the Ocean County Camera Club Youth Photography Contest in 2015, including Director's Choice, two Honorable Mentions, and second place.