Student Spotlight: Ivana Ooton

Photo Credit: Ivana Ooton
Ivana Ooton
Tue, 05/05/2020 - 17:31

Major(s): Anthropology
Minor(s): Architecture, Communications
Year in school: Senior
Hometown: Lincoln, NE


Why did you select your majors and minors? Were there any experiences that convinced you to declare?
I started as an architecture major but realized it was more of an interest I had than something I wanted to pursue professionally. I took one anthropology class and was hooked, and quickly switched to become an anthropology major!


What is your favorite course you have taken from your program and why?
I loved taking Anth 292 with Dr. Walters - Forensic Anthropology. The content spanned so many different facets of the field and it was fascinating to learn about something usually shrouded in so much mystery. I also loved taking Anth 242 with Dr. Hammerl - Biological Anthropology. Learning about evolution has always piqued my interest and getting to learn so in-depth about human ancestry was what made me decide to switch to anthropology!


Who have been some of your strongest mentors or role models here?
Of course our anthropology advisor, Olivia Miller, has been a great mentor for me and has helped me navigate not only my switch to anthropology but coached me all the way to graduation. Dr. Martha McCollough has also been a great role model. Taking her classes encouraged me to come out of my shell and ask more in-depth questions. Her classes were definitely a highlight of my undergraduate career and I wish her the best in her coming retirement!

Have you had an internship/job?
I currently work with the University of Nebraska High School as their Marketing and Communications Intern! A lot of research goes into producing online content to share across social media platforms, as well as our website, and having a background in anthropology has helped me apply these research skills to create the best possible content. Additionally, we cater to a lot of different and diverse audiences, something at the core of anthropology as well; having this background has helped me immensely at my internship.

What are you involved in on campus?
In addition to being an anthropology major, I am heavily involved in music here on campus! For the past four years I have been a member of the Cornhusker Marching Band, and I love getting to cheer on the Huskers on game days! I have also participated in Campus Band, Pep Band, and am a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, an honorary band fraternity here on campus.