October 30, 2017

Caption. Body Structure of Smilodon fatalis

This month, Eva Sawyer, a Natural Sciences student at Mesalands Community College, will present research at the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative (CCURI) Fall 2017 Colloquium in Austin, TX. The event will be held at Austin Community College.

The two-day colloquium will include student poster sessions and faculty sessions on undergraduate research at community colleges, according to the CCURI website.

Sawyer will discuss her research on Smilodons, entitled “Analysis of Smilodon fatalis Dentition as Evidence of Pack Life.”

This will be Sawyer’s first trip to Austin and she says she is looking forward to networking with others who share her interest in paleontology.

Photo provided by AMNH/ J.Tseng. Caption: Juvenile Smilodon fatalis jaw with evidence of unshed juvenile canines

“I’m excited about this conference because it gives me the chance to interact with people that understand the science behind the exhibits,” Sawyer said.

Sawyer said these research opportunities at Mesalands, have helped her align her future goals.

“Not only has it been a lot of fun for me but this has really reinforced for me, that this is what I want to do,” Sawyer said.

Sawyer plans to attend Eastern New Mexico University next year to pursue a bachelor’s degree in History.