George Mason Team

Emily McKeehan Smith

Emily is a bioarchaeologists studying microscopic anatomy of ancient peoples to understand their individual life histories. In 2018, she received her BA in Social and Behavioral Sciences with a minor in Biology from California State University, Monterey Bay. As a current second-year MA student in the Sociology and Anthropology Department of George Mason University, she hopes to obtain a Ph.D. and become a professor in the future. As a SciREN member, she is excited to inspire younger generations to dabble in science. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and beach time!

Sydney Cole 

Hi, I’m Sydney! I’m a second year Master’s student in Communication/Public Relations at George Mason University. I was previously a psychology major, which is what led me into the communication field – I quickly realized I didn’t want to become a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health specific professional, but someone who works with other people in some form of travel/educational/entertainment setting (which combines my primary passions). I love all things travel related and have been to 17 countries on four different continents; My favorite place at the moment is probably Australia because of the wide variety of animals that live there (my favorite is the Quokka!) I have a travel blog that currently focuses on the best way for students to travel around the world and locally, which I post on as often as I can. I hope to be as much help to SciREN as possible and look forward to giving back to my local community!

Sam LoPresto

Sam LoPresto is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Bioarcheology at George Mason University and is expected to graduate by 2020. His research interests include osteological manifestation of systemic stress throughout development. Sam received his Bachelors of Science in Anthropology from Grand Valley State University in Michigan where he was born and raised. His ultimate goal is to one day be a Professor of Anthropology and inspire the next generation of students  When he is not at work or school he loves to cook, bike, read, and relax with whatever free time he has leftover.