Michelle Balow Crosby, B.S. 1997

1997 Major: Biological Anthropology & Anatomy (now Evolutionary Anthropology) 

How has being an Evolutionary Anthropology graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"Mainly the connections with professors. I worked very closely with many of the department professors and their enthusiasm gave me enthusiasm for pursuing my PhD and MD. I pre-learned a lot of the anatomy I needed later in medical school, but more importantly I really enjoyed the subject matter and still do, even though I am a practice owning Ophthalmologist. I still think about the great courses and research projects I did at Duke within the department. It was great nurturing department with huge talent and names in the field, but such a down to earth and curious bunch who never seemed over-inflated to me and were all so willing to help an undergraduate."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Evolutionary Anthropology programs? 

"Have fun, meet with your professors in person, hang out with the lemurs and clean up their poop - you'll have the most fun major of anyone at Duke. Take all of Digby's classes!!"