Kya Crocker, junior in anthropology at Kansas State University, received the inaugural Gilman-McCain Scholarship to study in the Czech Republic. As an undergraduate researcher, Crocker analyzed archaeological evidence — such as stone tools, hominid migration patterns, and geographic/geological evidence — to interpret how early the Philippines were occupied by early hominids about 700,000 years ago. She also is working on a secondary major in international studies and a minor in political science.
“Linguistics and culture are my main areas of interest and I will have plenty of opportunities to learn about the Czech language and culture,” Crocker said to Kansas State University News. “The rich history of Prague has enticed me since I am definitely a history buff. All in all, this program has every attribute that I could look for in a study abroad program, and I’m so excited.”
The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.