Dean’s Medalist makes the most of undergrad experience through hands-on research
Valeria Tuka was named the Dean's Medalist from the School of Human Evolution and Social Change for spring 2026. Photo by Meghan Finnerty/ASU
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
Originally from Gilbert, Arizona, Valeria Tuka began her time at Arizona State University as a part of the School of Human Evolution and Social Change's Early Start program, an opportunity she said changed everything for her.
“Instead of feeling lost, I began my first semester with a support system and a sense of what to expect,” Tuka said. “Without the mentorship of Rhian Stotts and the SHESC team, the transition from high school would have been far more daunting.”
She eventually went on to be a mentor for the program as a senior.
“It was incredibly rewarding to guide students who were in the same position I was four years ago, turning my own experiences into a road map for others,” Tuka said.
Students in the Early Start program were encouraged to gain research experience through the Research Apprenticeship Program, an opportunity that would go on to be largely influential for Tuka.
She completed multiple Research Apprenticeship Programs and poster presentations as an undergraduate, describing these research opportunities as a turning point in teaching her that the scientific method is something you have to live to understand.
Tuka also participated in two field seasons, one at Boomplaas Cave in South Africa and one at the Park of Four Waters in Phoenix, experiences she said taught her an incredible amount.
“What drove me to participate was the realization that you can't learn the nuances of fieldwork from a book; you have to experience the dirt and the data firsthand,” Tuka said. “It's essentially an intellectual boot camp — you emerge on the other side of the season looking back and realizing how much your skills have sharpened and your perspective has shifted. That growth was easily the most rewarding part for me.”
Tuka will be graduating with her bachelor’s degree in anthropology this May. Her intellectual curiosity was recognized as she was named a Spring 2026 Dean’s Medalist for the School of Human Evolution and Social Change. Each semester, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence during their time at ASU.
In the following Q&A, Tuka talks more about what she has learned during her time at ASU.
Question: While at ASU, you helped found and later became president of the Experiential Archaeology Club. What inspired you to start this organization? What’s been your favorite part about being a part of this group?
Answer: I co-founded the Experimental Archaeology Club to help a friend's vision for a flintknapping circle for undergraduates come to life. Since then, it’s grown into an amazing space for hands-on learning. My favorite part is definitely the atmosphere we have cultivated. Coming together to hit rocks and hang out, seeing people connect over such a specific, cool interest is the most rewarding part of being a leader of EAC.
Q: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study anthropology?
A: There are two moments that stick out to me. Initially during my first semester taking ASM 104: Bones, Stones and Human Evolution with Dr. Denise Su in 2022 — I remember walking out of the final exam and feeling so excited to begin research and taking more difficult classes focusing on human evolution. I made sure to apply for research apprenticeships after that.
Later on in the summer of 2024, during the field season in South Africa at Boomplaas Cave led by Dr. Justin Pargeter at NYU. In the first week of the season, we did a training week in Mossel Bay at Dr. Curtis Marean's lab. I distinctly remember walking into his lab for the first time and seeing his faunal collection while smelling the coastal air (and being wildly jet-lagged) and thinking to myself about how unbelievably excited I was to start lab work despite my initial jet lag. At that moment, I knew that I had 100% chosen the right path for me.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: There are so many things I have to say. I think the best piece of advice that I would have to share is to try everything and to push yourself out of your comfort zone. How are you going to know if you do or do not like something if you don't try it? If you are curious about something, try it! You never know what opportunities you'll have, who you will meet and learning experiences you'll get from trying something new.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I’d use it to create a scholarship program for first-generation, low-income undergraduate students. My focus would be on expanding access to higher education. While it wouldn't solve the issue of higher education attainment disparities, it would create immediate, life-changing opportunities for many students who would otherwise be unable to afford higher education.
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