About MeI am currently a graduate student at La Trobe University working towards my PhD in Geoarchaeology. My thesis research utilizes Earth Sciences techniques to better understand the Damya Geological Foundation and how the Damya Lake (which contributed to its deposition) may have affected the landscapes surrounding nearby Natufian archaeological sites, and the people who once lived at them.
In 2019 I graduated from the University of Cambridge (Girton College) with an MPhil in Archaeology with a concentration in Archaeological Science. As an undergraduate, I attended the Pennsylvania State University; graduating as Student Marshal for the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and a member of the Schreyer Honors College, and a Paterno Fellow where I received a B.S. in Geosciences and B.A.s in Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Anthropology with minors in International Studies, Jewish Studies, and History. I am a published author and have received Matson fellowships with the Archaeological Institute of America for the years of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. My MPhil dissertation focused on using non-destructive surface micromorphology to source siliceous lithics (ex: chert, flint, and jaspers) and track inter-community trade and understand human-environment interactions. I hope to utilize my interdisciplinary geosciences training on archaeological excavations and in doing so, help to further our understanding of humanity’s shared past while also facilitating my penchant for storytelling (and a seagull-like fascination with 'shiny objects' whether they be stone tools, Akkadian cylinder seals, or any number of artifacts which help us understand our human past). As a result of my training in the sciences as well as the humanities, I recognize the interdisciplinary nature of the problems we all face, as well as the global efforts that will be needed to face them. It is my belief that sharing ideas and personal relationships while furthering understanding of our global partners and their cultures will be the bedrock on which we will lay the foundations to bridge our mutual challenges. In doing so, we enable ourselves to overcome our global concerns, and through the collaboration of individuals and the pooling of their resources we will be better poised to advance our knowledge of the past so that we are able to better prepare for the future. Therefore, my life’s ambition is to work on a global initiative which is concerned with advancing our understanding about the earth and its peoples both past and present, and use this knowledge in productive and beneficial ways. Studying abroad, and working towards increasing the ability of STEM students to study abroad is an issue which is extremely close to my heart, as I believe that having the opportunity to study abroad in a culture different from one’s own truly helps to increase our own understanding of the world around us, as well as ourselves. Thus far I have traveled to, and studied in, Spain, France, Italy, Israel, Greece, Australia, the UK, and Mexico. Twice, I have been an active participant on the archaeological dig at Tel Akko in Israel and studied under Dr. Ann Killebrew of Penn State University during the summer of 2012, at age sixteen, and again in 2016 at twenty. I have also traveled to, and studied in, Guanajuato, Mexico with Dr. Kackley and Penn State University in March of 2014, as well as studying in Athens, Greece during my freshman Spring semester as a member of the Athens, Greece: History, Culture, and Archaeology of Greece study abroad program under Professor Stephanie Larson. I have also traveled to complete field work in Coldigioco, Italy with the Geosciences program. as well as having studied in Ireland with the course An Irish Odyssey, through the PSU Horticulture Department. Most recently, I participated in PSU Geosciences Field Camp, focusing on hands on perspectives and training across the Western US. Throughout my travels I have consistently been asked to fulfill leadership type roles, and I am more than happy to help wherever and however I can. In my undergraduate career, I was a member of the special living option known as The GLOBE within the Schreyer Honors College housing; for students who are interested in studying abroad and concerned with global issues. I was also a member of Rince Na Leon, PSU's Irish, the Archery Club, the MMA club, the Vice President and Public Relations Chair for the Global Ambassadors, an EMS College Ambassador, as well as being a Schreyer Honors College 2016 SHOTime mentor and a TOTEMS 2017 mentor, while participating in various volunteer activities. |
Mentions
I have been lucky enough to have some of my work referenced on websites such as Christopher Fielden (link) and as a Featured Scientist on the Cambridge radio show Us and STEMM (link).
Interests
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If you have any questions, or would like to hear more about my experiences or interests, please feel free to contact me through the form to the right or by emailing me at [email protected] and I would be happy to respond as quickly as possible. I am always interested in sharing my experiences with others and would be happy to hear about those of others as well.
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