Jack Elliott is an ecology student at MacEwan University and a swimming instructor. Jack’s academic journey is deeply rooted in his passion for evolutionary biology, research, and the natural world. Beyond his scientific pursuits, he’s also a dedicated music enthusiast with a love for heavy metal. Our conversation will delve into his interests in evolutionary biology and human origins, his experiences in research, and his connection between science and music. Let’s dive in!Jack’s interest in ecology is strongly tied to evolutionary biology, particularly in understanding the relationships between species. Predator-prey dynamics, mutualism, and competition are fundamental aspects that shape ecosystems over time. When discussing human evolution, Jack is particularly fascinated by recent discoveries, such as the 2023 finding of stone tools associated with a non-Homo hominin, potentially pushing back the origins of tool use to nearly 3 million years ago. He is especially drawn to hominins from around 7 million years ago to the early genus Homo. A major challenge in public understanding of evolution, he notes, is the persistence of misconceptions—such as the idea that evolution is just a “theory” or that humans evolved from modern apes rather than sharing a common ancestor with them. These misunderstandings highlight the need for better science communication.Jack has had the opportunity to be involved in research projects during his time at MacEwan, including fieldwork in Kananaskis, where he studied how pikas communicate through different vocalizations. His team recorded calls to determine if individual variation existed and, if so, what its purpose might be. Another study focused on analyzing animal movement across fence lines, particularly smaller animals like deer and coyotes. Looking to the future, Jack is most interested in exploring paleoanthropology, connecting his ecological background with the study of human origins. He also emphasizes the importance of making research open access, as paywalls and technical jargon often limit public understanding. Ensuring accessibility to research is vital for increasing awareness of conservation efforts and environmental issues.Jack’s journey into heavy metal started with hard rock, gradually evolving into a deep appreciation for bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Rush, Judas Priest, and Metallica. He has a particular fondness for British 80s metal, which helped shape the genre’s identity. When discussing the relationship between science and music, he notes how both rely on structure, patterns, and categorization. Just as scientists classify species, musical genres evolve from common ancestors, forming intricate lineages over time. If given the opportunity to design a research study on metal music’s psychological or cultural effects, Jack would investigate how different types of music impact neurotransmitter activity, particularly dopamine levels. Understanding how people react to various musical styles could provide insight into the neurological impact of music on mood and cognition.Jack Elliott’s diverse interests showcase the deep connections between science, research, and music. His passion for evolutionary biology and research drives his curiosity about the natural world, while his love for heavy metal highlights the structured and expressive nature of both scientific and musical exploration. Through his work in ecology and his appreciation for open-access research, Jack is committed to making knowledge accessible to a broader audience. Whether studying ancient hominins, analyzing animal behavior, or headbanging to Iron Maiden, Jack continues to explore the world with curiosity and enthusiasmKEEP IT LONG TERM!

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