Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates EURA 2019-2020 Recipient

Mackenzie Cross
B.A. Anthropology, Interdisciplinary Sciences (Zoology) - Class of 2020

Mack's research interests lie in energetics and evolution in primates, with a particular focus on the brain and sensory system.  Her work has spanned multiple labs.  Currently, Mack works with Dr. Russell Ciochon in biological anthropology, identifying monkey skulls and designing teaching aides; she also works as  a student technician  in an autopsy room, where she assists forensic pathologists in conducting autopsies.  She spent the summer of 2018 working as a Research Assistant with SMARTA at the Duke Lemur Center, studying the movement and energetics of sifakas.  Other projects have also involved identifying faunal assemblage and performing excavation photogrammetry under the supervision of Dr. James Enloe at Woodpecker Cave, as well as studying cocaine and heroine addiction in rats with Dr. Ryan LaLumiere.  Through presenting on her research experiences, Mack has honed her skills as a presenter; her presentation at ICRU'S 2018 3 Minute Research Story Competition earned first-place.

Mack is currently working on her honors thesis in Anthropology, exploring cost-effective and accurate methods to gather stomach pH from primates.  She hopes that comparative analysis of stomach pH will give evidence to how early humans obtained meat sources - scavenging or hunting.  Mack plans to pursue a PhD in biological anthropology, where she can combine her knowledge of anatomical data with primate behavior and genetics to study the primate brain and sensory evolution.