Aiden M. Younk
Aiden M. Younk
Class Year
’26
Hometown
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Biology, Paleontology Track
Minor(s)
Geoscience
Aiden Younk ’26 discovered his passion for dinosaurs at a young age, and that early fascination has only grown stronger over time. When he was given the opportunity to study in the paleontology track at Carthage, the decision felt like a natural fit. Now majoring in biology with a minor in geoscience, Aiden is fully immersed in a program that aligns with his lifelong interests. “The Paleontology Program is such a unique undergraduate opportunity that provides field, lab, and research experience. As undergraduates, we are contributing to our field and doing novel work.”
In addition to hands-on learning, Aiden is also grateful for the support he’s received through the Helwig Scholarship, which has helped make his academic journey more accessible. “The Helwig Scholarship has helped to ease the financial burden, and I am incredibly grateful to be the recipient.”
Why Carthage?
“The renowned Paleontology Program is what drew me to Carthage. The opportunity to partake in lab work, fieldwork, and research is rare in undergraduate programs.”
Favorite class
“Creative Writing has been my favorite class here at Carthage. It was a relaxing course and a welcomed break before a busy spring semester. Being able to write poems about my life and focusing on the real world helped me learn more about myself and how to make my writing intriguing.”
Toughest class
“Organic Chemistry was the class that forced me to learn how to study — making notecards, studying with peers, assisting others with lab reports, and practicing problems have prepared me for other difficult courses, like Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates. Organic Chemistry taught me that learning doesn’t end once you leave the classroom.”
Campus involvement
“I’m a member of the Paleontology Club and enjoy being able to spend time not just with other students on the paleontology track, but with other students who also have a love and interest for dinosaurs.”
Unique opportunities
“I had the opportunity to visit the Dinosaur Discovery Museum (DDM) to learn lab techniques and fossil preparation. There’s lots to be done from previous field seasons, but the work is relaxing and lots of fun. I particularly enjoy using the air scribe to blast the dust away. I also joined Professor Thomas Carr in the Hell Creek Formation through the J-Term course Vertebrate Field Paleontology. We worked in a quarry to uncover an in situ fossil and used surface collecting to find fossils from crocodile osteoderms and bird coracoids. Besides the fieldwork, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Prof. Carr in undergraduate research, investigating the growth and development of Ceratopsia, an important group of horned and frilled dinosaurs. I had the pleasure of presenting this research at the Milwaukee-Area Undergraduate Biology Research Conference (MUBRC) and the 2025 Celebration of Scholars. I am expanding on this research foundation through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience and hope to present this at the annual Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) meeting.”
Career goal
“I am hoping to further my education in a graduate program and work toward a PhD. From there, I want to further my research and collaborate with other great minds in the field of paleontology.”
Favorite spot on campus
“The Campbell Student Union is my favorite spot. After long days of intense classes, nothing beats stopping by Johnny’s Chicken Shack for a chicken sandwich and socializing with friends.”
Best study tip
“The best way to study is with other people. There have been countless times when someone in our group knew the answer and was able to bring the others up to speed. Besides that, show up at your professor’s office during their office hours. Not only can they provide clarity and tips for studying, but it shows them that you are a hard worker and take the course seriously.”
Advice for other students in your major?
“It is important to build relationships with faculty. Asking hard questions, visiting during office hours, and interacting outside of class breaks the boundary between faculty and students and creates a friendlier environment.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“I’ve always been infatuated with dinosaurs. Now, here I am, over a decade later, still carrying on that child-like wonder and infatuation. To be pursuing a career in paleontology and working with one of my all-time favorite groups (ceratopsians), 8-year-old me would be ecstatic and full of questions.”