OLIVIA STARICH

EDUCATION
2015 B.A.

Curriculum Vitae
Email: ostarich@utexas.edu

Anthropology with Special Honors, University of Texas at Austin,

Austin, TX
Honors Thesis: Investigating the Accuracy of Genetic Athletic Tests
Advisor: Dr. Deborah Bolnick
Anthropology GPA: 4.00

2015

B.J.

Journalism, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX

Journalism GPA: 3.91

Cumulative GPA: 3.84

HONORS & AWARDS
2015
Elected into Phi Beta Kappa Society
2015 $1000
Undergraduate Research Fellowship, University of Texas at Austin
Investigating the Accuracy of Genetic Athletic Tests
2015
Liberal Arts Deans Distinguished Graduates - Honorable Mention
2015
Nominee Texas Exes Edward S. Guleke Student Excellence Award
2014 $2500
Woods Unrestricted Endowed Presidential Scholarship, University of Texas at
Austin
2014 $2000
Hibbs Department of Anthropology Scholarship, University of Texas at
Austin
2014 $1000
Hibbs Liberal Arts Undergraduate Research Award, University of Texas at
Austin
Investigating the Accuracy of Genetic Athletic Tests
2014 $1000
Undergraduate Research Fellowship, University of Texas at Austin
Investigating the Accuracy of Genetic Athletic Tests
2014
Honors Day College Scholar, College of Liberal Arts & Moody College of
Communication, University of Texas at Austin
2013
Honors Day College Scholar, College of Liberal Arts & Moody College of
Communication, University of Texas at Austin
2011-2013
Deans Honors Lists; Moody College of Communication, College of Liberal
Arts
SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONS
2015
Starich OA, Raff JA, Bolnick DA. Investigating the accuracy of commercially-available
genetic athletic tests. Undergraduate Research Symposium, 2015 84th Annual Meeting of
the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, St. Louis, MO.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE

2013

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (ANT 324L)

Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX; 1 semester

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Association of Physical Anthropologists
LANGUAGES
English native speaker
French speak with relative fluency; read/write proficiently (8 years schooling)
Greek (Ancient/Attic) beginner speaking/reading/writing (1 semester)
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
2014 2015 Rockies Ride Director, 2015 Team, Texas 4000 for Cancer
Coordinate all activities among 15 chair positions related to planning a
cross-country cycling venture; promoting spread of hope, knowledge, &
charity to communities throughout the US and Canada
Supervise route-specific travel planning, community engagement,
recruitment, and bilingual educational outreach programs (including some
tailored for low-income areas of Austin) through rider-run committees
focused in those areas
Actively fundraise and promote health-related education in the Austin area
Volunteer with local cancer and cycling community to raise awareness and
contribute to public wellness initiatives
Manage emergency situations while leading a team of 84 riders through
training and preparation for the summer ride to Anchorage, AK;
coordinate summer logistics and trip details (including safety and
emergency/crisis management) for 29 of those riders on the Rockies route
2012 2014
Order of Omega
Member of Greek council honors society which focused on maintaining
high academic standards while engaging in community outreach and
campus organizational cooperation
2011 2012
Intramural Council Representative
Member of student-run council which focused on peer-review and
disciplinary action related to cases addressing sportsmanship and
competition in UTs intramural sports program
2010 2011
To Write Love On Her Arms Texas Chapter
Served as Social Media Coordinator and Interim Vice President for oncampus organization which promotes awareness about depression and
mental health resources on campus
2010 2014
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, University Panhellenic Council
Served as Intramural Chair; facilitated development of interpersonal
bonding, sportsmanship, and competition by forming a variety of
intramural sport teams

Served on Risk Management Committee for all off-campus events,

including mitigating inherent risks associated with socials, retreats (such
as physical injury, medical emergencies)
Philanthropic involvement with Ronald McDonald House of Austin,
including fundraising events, cooking meals for families at RMH, and
organizing profit shares benefitting RMH
Engaged in professional development workshops addressing topics such as
networking, interviewing skills, and rsum building

WORK EXPERIENCE
2015
Snowboarding Instructor, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Create an innovative and engaging learning environment for beginning
snowboarders of all ages in both individual and group settings
Developed students skills as confident, responsible snowboarders through
tailored lessons and careful attention to skill progression
Actively pursue professional development opportunities by meeting
requirements for and upgrading necessary instructor certifications
2015
Social Media & Editorial Intern, Teton Gravity Research
Filled a gap for investigative/research-style content while maintaining the
voice and subject matter of the company
Curated multimedia content (both sponsored and organic) that aligned
with companys voice and reputation in the outdoor media industry
Coordinated social media usage (especially on Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram) to engage target audience and share content
Experience with ExpressionEngine (content management system),
Basecamp (scheduling posts/coordinating campaigns), Twitter/Tweetdeck,
Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat as media creation/sharing platforms
2015
Program Counselor, Philmont Scout Ranch, Boy Scouts of America
Strengthened team and leadership dynamics with youth (ages 14-20)
through low ropes course (COPE) activities
Analyze strengths and weaknesses of crews in order to tailor course
elements to the needs of each scouting group
Fostered team growth by utilizing different challenges in areas such as:
communication skills; building respectful environments; tenacity and
commitment; and encouragement and positive language
2014
Mountain Trek Ranger, Philmont Scout Ranch, Boy Scouts of America
Facilitated leadership development in youth participants
Engaged youth participants with their natural surroundings by fostering
love for the outdoors
Educated youth on Leave No Trace Wilderness Ethic skills
Enriched the outdoor experience by sharing STEM knowledge as it relates
to backcountry ecology and camping activities
2013 2014
Senior Resident Assistant, Division of Housing & Food Services, University
of Texas at Austin

2013

2013

2012 2013

2012

2010 2011

Mentored fellow resident assistants and develop their skills as a cohesive

staff
Created innovative and educational programs for residents, focused
predominantly on building positive body image and mental health
awareness
Counseled and connected residents and staff to a variety of on-campus
resources
Engaged with faculty members to connect residents to diverse educational
opportunities
Ranger I, Philmont Scout Ranch, Boy Scouts of America
Fostered leadership and teamwork skills in youth participating in treks
Guided and mentored youth towards building effective teamwork skills
Educated and engaged scouts and scout leaders in preservation of the
wilderness and natural resources
Undergraduate Assistant in Communications, Office of the Vice President
for Student Affairs, University of Texas at Austin
Specialized with graphic and photo manipulation to create content for all
divisions in Student Affairs
Created, proofed, and published newsletter content for all Student Affairs
employees
Created and improved innovative social media campaigns for student
engagement for the Vice President of Student Affairs
Resident Assistant, Division of Housing & Food Services, University of Texas
at Austin
Mentored residents and aid in their transition to a college environment
Created innovative and educational programs for residents
Counseled and connected residents to a variety of on-campus resources
Head of Horseback Riding/Counselor, Camp Mystic for Girls, Hunt, TX
Designed and implemented creative and engaging lesson plans for
developing hands-on riding skills
Developed campers skills as confident, responsible equestrian care-takers
and riders
Enhanced professional development to build staff into more effective
communicators and instructors
Horseback Riding Instructor/Counselor, Camp Mystic for Girls, Hunt, TX
Educated and developed campers skills related to responsible
horsemanship and animal care
Mentored and advised campers of various ages (9-18 years old) in areas
including social development, sportsmanship, and personal growth/wellbeing