Dr. Briana Pobiner, a paleoanthropologist from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, uses this question as an important framework as she delves into the mysterious evolutionary past of the human species.

Dr. Pobiner is part of the Nifty Fifty, a group of science and engineering professionals who go throughout the country to talk about their work and careers to middle and high schoolers. Benjamin Stoddert was selected for a visit and the students were ready for it!

We learned things about paleoanthropology, which is the study of the origins and predecessors of the present human race. Dr. Pobiner discussed with us some very interesting specifics about our eating habits and how they have changed over time. Her research has taken her to Africa to observe carnivores, how they eat and what they leave behind. She even told us of a species of chimpanzees that are carnivores that, on occasion, eat their own kind!

Dr. Pobiner commented positively on the attentiveness and awesome behavior of our scholars. We are thankful for being selected and look forward to doing it again in the future! Great job, Benjamin Stoddert! Academic Achievement continues to be our Number One priority!