Finding His Path: Jackson Magie
When Jackson Magie came to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ from California, he expected to study biology. Instead, he discovered a passion for anthropology that opened the door to undergraduate research, international field experiences and a new perspective on the world. In the Q&A below, Magie reflects on finding his academic path, the value of research and where his ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ journey is leading next.
Jackson Magie
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Jackson Magie. I'm majoring in anthropology with a minor in homeland security and emergency management. Through my program, I've been able to see the world. I've been to the Netherlands, Poland and Mongolia.
I was able to go to those places through external programs that were advertised through our department, which frequently sends newsletters and opportunities to students. I applied to those programs, was accepted, and attended field schools over the summer that lasted a little over two weeks and about three weeks.
It was an amazing opportunity to be able to travel.
What brought you to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, and what made you decide that it was the right place for you?
I'm originally from California, and I came to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ because I was really intrigued by ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. It just seemed so different from where I was raised. It's such a beautiful environment, and you're more connected to nature. I chose ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ specifically for its research opportunities and its remote location.
I really fell in love with ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ while experiencing my first winter here and being immersed in the snow and the cold. I also had the opportunity to conduct my own research through [the Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities office] during my freshman year.
What has your experience in the Department of Anthropology been like, and what makes it special?
To me, the Department of Anthropology is really special. I've actually been working in the department for a little over two years as the student assistant, and that's given me the opportunity to get to know a lot of the professors and faculty who have been there for a long time. It's also highlighted a lot of the personalities there and the amazing work they're doing in ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ.
Anthropology is such a broad discipline that everyone has their own unique interests and specializations. You really gain a lot of insight into the diversity of studies that can be done in anthropology, and in ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ alone.
How has your time at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ changed you, either academically, personally, or professionally?
Personally, I think my time at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ has really changed me. I'm in my senior year, finishing up and graduating in May. Being able to really engage with the material I've studied in anthropology, connect with what we've been learning and apply it to my own life has allowed me to engage more deeply with my work and be much more enthusiastic about school.
When I was in high school, I really didn't know what I was going to do in college or after graduating. Being at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ has really opened my eyes to the world of academia, research and what it can do for the world.
What perspective do you hope to bring to the field of anthropology?
Personally, what I want to specialize in within anthropology is urban infrastructure and design. Urban anthropology is very important to me because the environment around us is one of the most important aspects in defining who we are, and being raised in a healthy environment is extremely important.
Having the opportunities I've had to see different areas of the world and how societies can positively shape people's lives through their programs and infrastructure has really been eye-opening. It's influenced how I want to use research and my own insights to positively impact different societies.
As a freshman, Jackson Magie gained hands-on research experience that helped shape his academic journey and prepared him to conduct research of his own.
What are you excited about next, and how has ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ prepared you for it?
Next for me, I definitely want to go to grad school. With the current state of the job market, it's a little foreboding to jump into a career right now, so I think grad school is a great next step. I don't have anywhere concrete settled yet, but because of the research opportunities I've had here at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, especially through my classes, I feel really prepared.
Most of the big projects I've had in my anthropology classes have involved conducting my own small research projects. Being able to relate what I've learned from those experiences to a thesis project in a master's program is amazing. I already have so many ideas for projects I want to focus on in different areas. Only time will tell where I'll end up and what I'll focus on.
What advice would you give to future ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ students?
If I had to give a big piece of advice to new ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ students, I would say to keep your head up. Don't get bogged down by external factors like the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ weather or the cold. Mainly with school, don't back yourself into a corner. Try to expand yourself as much as you can, and don't confine yourself to something you're not truly interested in.
If you don't have a passion or a real interest in what you're studying, then you're going to leave college and not really know what to do with yourself. I think everyone should really find their passion. Even if it takes a couple of years to really find what it is, everyone should really expand themselves to what they're capable of.
Congratulations to Jackson Magie on being named one of the Department of Anthropology's 2026 Outstanding Students of the Year. Explore the opportunities available through the Department of Anthropology, and watch for more Outstanding Student spotlights from across the College of Liberal Arts.