Mel Krukow

“After graduation, I plan to continue my study in paleontology at grad school. I’ve been working towards this goal since I was three years old, and now I have a future job set up with a paleontologist in my hometown.”

“Professor Thomas Carr is always willing to help with paleontology. He’s willing to assist me with applying to grad school when the time comes and has even given me and a couple of other paleo-track students the opportunity of going to Montana for a dig. Professor Chelsea Gemeinhardt and Professor Olivia Altstad are two of the best chemistry professors, helping me succeed and offering the best help when I have questions. Biology professors, too, are willing to help any time you need.”

“My favorite classes so far are the art classes — especially Watercolor and Acrylic Painting. Although the courses differ from my major, working with Professor Ryan Miller has been something fun. A great sense of humor and a great feel of freedom is all you need in art, and trust me, he doesn’t fail.”

“I’m involved in three clubs: Pokemon League, Adventures in Fandom & Cosplay, and Paleontology Club. All these have helped me open up a little and make friends.”

“I have an internship set up with Professor Joseph Frederickson at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to work with fossils thanks to Prof. Carr and Nathan Cochran ’23, who pushed me to introduce myself.”

“I’ve been able to join three clubs I enjoy which has helped me to open up and make friends with people like me. J-Term study tours are also a must-have experience to travel the world and have fun.”

“I have received an honorable mentions scholarship from Carthage for being a finalist in the Presidential Award Scholarship. It means so much to me to get every scholarship I can to help financially.”

“I think being able to go to Paleo Fest through Paleo Club was something I’ll never forget, especially since that’s where I got my future internship.”

“The beach on campus behind Johnson Hall is one of my favorite places. I like walking along the beach during nice weather, taking photos of the moon, listening to the waves, and more. Especially when I find bones lying around, it’s always fun to take them back home, which of course, my parents enjoy.”

“Definitely being able to have this internship set up so soon with Prof. Frederickson. It’s something I’m so excited for, and I can’t wait to start my journey in what I love.”

“My eight-year-old self would be over the moon to see where I am. I’ve always been the dinosaur kid, and here I am, committing to what I love.”

“For a biology major, it really shows you things you haven’t thought of before within our world, from microscopic organisms to large animal species. Going in with an open mind is always best in order to get the best of the experience. Chemistry classes are nothing to worry about either, as every professor is willing to assist you if needed.”

“Not only a perfectly sized smaller school, but Carthage also offers everything I need to become a paleontologist. J-Term study tours are an experience that every school should have. I’m very excited about the Montana trip next summer for a paleontology expedition.”