Reconnect... with researcher Ellie McNutt, Ph.D.

French novelist Marcel Proust once wrote, "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." This has certainly been the case for Heritage College researcher Ellie McNutt, Ph.D., whose new analysis of the Laetoli Footprints sent shockwaves through the paleontological community upon its publication last December.

Drawing upon her training in functional morphology, Ellie led an international research team in debunking the long-held belief that the track A trace fossil footprints at Laetoli belonged to a bear, revealing the tracks to be of human descent. The media blitz that ensued led to Ellie being named Ohio University's Top Newsmaker of the Year for 2021. 

Click below to hear Ellie's reflections on this fascinating discovery.

By taking new eyes to old landscapes, Ellie has upended the Laetoli narrative, while further distinguishing herself within the scientific community. Her innate curiosity, critical approach and willingness to challenge conventional thinking is an inspiration to us all.

My hope is that as you voyage through the final days of Fall semester, you will follow Ellie's example: approaching the familiar with new eyes and an insatiable spirit of discovery.