MA in Anthropology
Gréta Klaudia Kühne, 2024
When are you graduating?
Spring 2024
Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone:
My MA thesis applied a new age estimation method to re-age human remains from the north coast of Peru. This research included six weeks of observation of over 200 human remains in person in Peru. The data from the re-aged and examined individuals were used for fertility calculations to reconstruct the demographical profile of the Indigenous Muchik community during the Colonial Period. Moreover, this research allowed us to get a better understanding of female health and stress, differences in colonial experiences, and the resilience of Indigenous people. My MA thesis is also part of a bigger and complex research of the Lambayeque Valley Biohistory Project.
How did you choose your specific area of study?
My mentor and advisor Dr. Haagen Klaus has been researching and working on the north coast of Peru for the past 20 years and is one of the key figures of the Lambayeque Valley Biohistory Project. I wanted to have a method and theory-based research for this reason we decided to apply the newest age estimation method first time in Andean Archaeology and do the first large-scale demographic reconstruction of populations in Peru.
How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?
My past two years at George Mason and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences have helped me grow as a person and as a researcher. When I first came here, I was unsure of my future career, however, all the opportunities that the university and my college offered have supported me throughout my field and research trip to Peru and my thesis writing process. Now so close to graduation I feel well-equipped for what comes next.
Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?
I am most proud of my Outstanding Anthropology Graduate Student Award. This recognition means a lot since it is an official acknowledgment of all my efforts, hard work, and passion for my work and field. These types of awards help students feel important and recognized for their efforts and achievements.
Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?
None of my work or accomplishments wouldn't have been possible without the help of my mentor, advisor, and professor, Dr. Haagen Klaus. He is an incredibly smart, passionate, empathetic, enthusiastic, and kind person who creates an environment where students can thrive and reach their potential. He was very supportive and encouraging from the beginning, and his commitment to anthropology, people, students, and knowledge has been inspirational. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and guidance.
What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?
When I first met my cohort I felt incredibly out of place, and thought that everyone was so ahead of me and knew what they were doing. This could not have been further from the truth. Everyone has some level of impostor syndrome throughout their academic career. It's okay not to know what you are doing and exactly what you are working towards. But it is important that you believe in yourself and enjoy what you are doing and studying. Also, cultivate friendships/mentorship with your cohort. and professors. They are there to support you throughout your journey.
What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?
After graduation, I will continue working with my professors on their research that I was involved in during my graduate studies. Additionally, I will start my professional anthropologist career in this area. In the near future, I plan on pursuing a doctoral degree.