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Paleontologist Carlos Peredo has traveled around the world, discovered six new species of fossil mammals and has even been featured on public radio’s Science Friday series.

But his scientific journey began as an undergrad at ��������Ƶ who planned to study history to become an educator. He later earned a biology degree at SHU.

“The more I poked and the more I dug into the history side of things the more I got into the scientific side of history,” he says.

He said Dr. Steve Bassett nurtured his interest in studying biology from a non pre-med perspective.

After graduation, Peredo headed to George Mason University to earn his Ph.D. in Paleontology, where he had a unique opportunity to spend much of his time at the Smithsonian Institution studying fossils.

Now, Peredo is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Michigan. Through his work, he’s examining the past using modern technologies such as 3D modeling and CT scanning in hopes of impacting research into the future.

“Sometimes, we’ll CT scan something or laser scan a fossil, and I don’t know what I’m going to do with this but someone out there will, even if we don’t see the benefit right now,” he says.

In particular, Peredo’s focus is on examining whale fossils – which could provide insight into the future and how the earth and its inhabitants evolve in a changing climate.

“How does life on earth respond to a changing earth? That’s really important right now,” he says. “If you’re at all interested in conservation, whales are poster children for conservation.”

��������Ƶ’s young alumni are making their mark on the world through their work in science and healthcare, finance and business, industry, entertainment and service to those in need. The Fall/Winter 2019 edition of ��������Ƶ’s Forward magazine featured 30 of these alumni, all under the age of 30. You can find all of their stories here on ��������Ƶ’s site (just look for the “30 Under 30” icon).