Mason Hintermeister '24
BS Anthropology, BS Human Evolutionary Biology
Pronouns: he/him/his

Where are you originally from?
I was raised in Carroll County, Maryland.

On Stony Brook:
I wanted a chance to do research as an undergraduate with top professionals in paleoanthropology and the opportunity to do fieldwork in the Turkana Basin of Kenya.

On his major:
I double majored in human evolutionary biology (EBH) and anthropology with a specialization in anthropological field methods. EBH allowed me to get a solid STEM education in biological sciences while the anthropology major taught me to critically examine the ways in which we ask questions and learn about ourselves, about others, and about the past! 

Favorite class:
Rarely have I been in a 300+ ANP/ANT/EBH class I didn't really enjoy and learn a lot from, but I'll say my favorite right now is Comparative Primate Anatomy (ANP 410) with my incredible advisor, Dr. Gabrielle Russo. It's a hands-on crash course in why your teeth and bones are shaped the way they are, from a world-renowned functional morphologist. 

Interests and accomplishments:
I am interested in the evolutionary and developmental factors that shape teeth and their function, what they can tell us about fossil primates, and how this can shed light on why teeth are the way they are in modern primates (including humans!) I am also interested in how we can more effectively and equitably disseminate information on evolution and variation in order to dismantle potentially harmful misconceptions. In terms of accomplishments, I have been very lucky to participate in lots of research, from describing a new fossil primate in the Russo Lab at SBU to using AI to identify fossil shark teeth off of crowd-sourced data as part of a virtual internship with the University of Florida.

Greatest achievement:
I spent the summer between my freshman and sophomore year as a paleontology outreach and education intern at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota where I taught lots of classes to people of all ages. After teaching a junior paleo dig class, a kid around seven years old came up to me and said "I wish you were always my teacher, you deserve ice cream for dinner," which felt like the highest form of a compliment coming from this child!

Awards & Accolades:
-2024 Provost's Award for Academic Excellence recipient
-NSF GRFP Honorable Mention
-URECA Travel Grant recipient
-Anthropology Undergraduate Research and Conference Travel Grant recipient

Plans for post-graduation:
I will be pursuing my PhD in Functional Anatomy & Evolution at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland as a student of Dr. Siobhán Cooke.

Career Aspirations:
I am hoping to find a position that allows me to participate in fossil primate research and outreach, whatever that ends up being!

Clubs or Organizations:
I am the vice president of the Undergraduate Anthropology Society, a really great club for people from all majors to have fun hanging out, hear from experts in a ton of different fields, and get the resources you need to get you to whatever your next step is. I am not part of The Vocalists, but make sure to attend their events because they are a cool bunch.

Favorite SBU memory:
I think my best moments were sitting in the Undergraduate Anthropology Society Club room, just hanging out with those friends who invariably make the days a little brighter, and losing track of time.

Advice for potential Seawolves:
Don't sit down or stand back when there is change to be made! This university is supposed to work for you and your fellow students. Speak up when it is not, look out for your peers, and never stop challenging your own perception of the world. Students have a long history of being on the forefront of change, a legacy being upheld by students at this critical time that you should take part in. Take responsibility to affect positive social change for others, while also making sure your own needs are met. Lastly, take advantage of every opportunity you can, don't be afraid to ask that professor if you can join their lab or to apply for that award you aren't sure you qualify for because you probably can and do.