Finn Lerner

I am Finn Lerner, a scholarship recipient! I am entering my third year as an anthropology and psychology double major. This fall semester, I am excited to attend the following classes: Human Origins, Fundamentals of Archaeology, Introduction to Anatomy, History of Anthropological Theory, Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience, and Psychology of Emotion! I utilized the award over the summer for the DANTA field course in Primate Behavior and Conservation.

Receiving financial support has provided me with the incredible opportunity to travel to Costa Rica to study Geoffroy’s spider monkeys, Mantled howler monkeys, Central American white-faced capuchins, and Red-backed squirrel monkeys. Being able to observe these primates outside of textbooks and PowerPoints has been an experience of a lifetime. I learned the methods for measuring primate behavior, biodiversity, and environmental variables, as well as the processes of estimating population size. Being educated on these topics is essential for my education since my goal is to earn a Ph.D. in anthropology to pursue primatology.

Before I realized this goal, I was drawn to Ohio State due to the quality of education that the university provides as well as the community that you become a part of by being a Buckeye. Not only am I receiving top-quality education from faculty that are experts in their fields, but I am also able to connect with anyone else that is a fellow Buckeye. When walking around a different state in Ohio State gear, there is that instant connection when someone yells, “O-H!” Ultimately, Ohio State has allowed me to enjoy learning again, to truly be immersed in the material and not just complete work for the grade.

The DANTA group stayed at Osa Conservation surrounded by the rainforest and the wildlife that inhabits it. It was a surreal experience as we were provided with a natural alarm clock; every morning we were awakened by the deafening mantled howlers. As we prepared for the day, we encountered even more primates as it was not uncommon to spot squirrel monkeys and spider monkeys in the nearby trees. Throughout our stay, we hiked daily in the forest to collect data on the monkeys and their habitat. We also attended lectures in the open-air classroom filled with skeletal remains of Osa’s animals. One of the most memorable experiences was when they allowed us to accompany them on their night hike to observe sea turtles as they lay their eggs. Due to the minimal light pollution in the area, the night sky can clearly be seen filled with stars, planets, and the Milky Way. After a few hours of sleep, we hiked back to the same beach to relocate the eggs to protect them from predation. While I was expecting to learn about Costa Rica’s monkeys, I was very surprised to play an active role in the conservation of sea turtles as the conservationist entrusted me to move the eggs to their new nest. 

I am so very grateful for the support that has been provided to further my education. Thank you for actively supporting Ohio State students to follow their dreams!