Anthropology undergraduate dazzles faculty on her way to being named a Dean's Medalist

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.

By the time she was 18 years old, Jenna Mae Schultz was already a bonafide world traveler. With time spent in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, the U.S. and South Africa, the School of Human Evolution and Social Change undergraduate knew she had found a permanent home in anthropology even before attending ASU.

“From the time I was four years old, I was living in different countries and experiencing different cultures each time. There were often major culture shocks but that was kind of the norm and I enjoyed it. So I think it makes sense that I went into anthropology and human uniqueness,” said Schultz, with a characteristic ear-to-ear grin.

Schultz’s penchant for perpetual motion followed her nearly 10,000 miles from Cape Town, South Africa, to Tempe, Arizona. From presenting at the annual American Association of Biological Anthropologists conference as a third-year undergraduate to working in the Jane Goodall Institute Gombe Chimpanzee Archive, Schultz has never wavered in her pursuit of knowledge.

“Jenna is easily the most exceptional undergraduate I have ever had the pleasure to teach and mentor in 20 years at ASU, Duke and Harvard,” said Ian Gilby, an associate professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, in his nomination letter. “She is truly a superstar.”

Her academic achievements and dedication to both the School of Human Evolution and Social Change and the Institute of Human Origins have not only impressed Gilby.  

“Jenna is the top undergraduate student that I have worked with over the past 27 years. She was in the Research Apprenticeship Program with me for two years and is able to design research projects and has presented them at annual meetings, and to do service related events such as giving tours and classroom presentations,” said Kaye Reed, President’s Professor and researcher with the Institute of Human Origins, in her letter of recommendation.

When Schultz graduates this December with her Bachelor of Science in anthropology, she will also be conferred a second honor — Dean’s Medalist.

Each department and school within The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences selects one outstanding student who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to academic excellence during their time at ASU. These students are awarded a prestigious Dean’s Medal during convocation ceremonies in honor of their scholastic achievements.

“My ASU journey reflects my dedication, commitment and passion for my work and research. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support from the faculty and staff within The College, whose mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping my educational development and providing me with invaluable opportunities to grow,” Schultz said.

ASU News talked with Schultz about her experiences as an exemplary anthropology major.

Note: Answers have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Question: Why did you choose ASU for your undergraduate studies?

Answer: I was always interested in anthropology, specifically human evolution and early hominins. It was just sort of a niche interest of mine and the Institute of Human Origin has some of the top people in the field. It was definitely the faculty and the research opportunities that drew me in.

Q: Were there any faculty in particular that you were especially excited about working with?

A: I was really excited to work with Professor Kaye Reed in her paleoecology lab and Professor Ian Gilby in the Jane Goodall Institute Gombe Chimpanzee Archive.

Q: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study anthropology?

A: The first intro class that I took in college got me really excited because I was finally doing what I was actually interested in. Then my sophomore year, I was able to go with Professor Reed to Ethiopia to work in the museums, and I got to see all of the 3-million-year-old fossils from the field that they had discovered. There were these massive heads of rhinos that I've never seen in my life and giant fossils from a completely different world. That was a “wow” moment for me.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: During my time at ASU, I explored different fields of anthropology, but throughout all of my classes and with all of the professors that I've worked with, they always stressed the importance of connecting behavior and ecology. Particularly how the relationship between the environment and behavior affects adaptation and evolution. That multidisciplinary approach taught me to come at questions from multiple perspectives — not just in my research, but in a lot of the things that I do. Now, I try to consider things holistically as opposed to one dimensionally.

Q: Was there a particular research project that really helped you see the connection between ecology and behavior?

A: In the Jane Goodall Institute Gombe Chimpanzee Archive, I worked a lot with observational data on chimpanzees and looked at different behavioral adoptions in primate socioecology. The focus was looking at how the modern environment affects chimp behavior. But then in the paleoecology lab, I looked to the past and animals and organisms responded to climate changes. Approaching that same question from different sides shaped how I approach research now.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Honestly, there have been far too many to name just one. But professors Ian Gilby, Kaye Reed, Denise Su and Gary Schwartz have been the biggest influences in my undergraduate career. They're all working in different fields, but they all challenged me to look at my research differently.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I really want to pursue my PhD in primate paleobiology and hopefully join a research university one day.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Get involved on campus and join labs. It's the best way to meet mentors or even just graduate students who will help you. I've learned more in the labs that I've worked in than I have in classes I've taken. It's just the best way to get practical experience.

Q:  What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: I pretty much lived in IHO (Institute of Human Origins) for the last four years and I loved it.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would probably donate it to African National Parks. It's an organization that re-wilds different natural areas in Africa across the entire continent and tries to protect the species that live there. It also provides jobs to local people. I feel like that would be a good use of the money.