Alexandra Seifertova

Current position

Archaeologist at Jacobs Group Australia

Where did you study?

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) University of Sydney

Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science at Australian National University

How did you become interested in archaeology?

I always had a love for ancient history however, my true love for archaeology developed from reading the Amelia Peabody book series when I was 12. Once the books were read, I put my foot down and announced to all that would listen that I would become an archaeologist no matter what it took ... guess it worked out!

What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?

I work on projects focusing on Aboriginal and Historical heritage in NSW, and VIC, and have starting dabbling in WA and NT.

Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries.

Most amazing find I've uncovered was while volunteering in Central Alaska at the Holzman South site, where we found mammoth ivory, and stone artefacts dating to approximately 16 thousand years ago!

Tell us about a funny / disastrous / amazing experience that you have had while doing archaeology.

While volunteering in Mongolia for my first international dig we realised I was small enough to fit in a 500 x 500mm test pit and might be able to dig it down a bit deeper ... I was hoisted down into the test pit by my legs, and did in fact manage to dig out another spit! After recording, the test pit also became our drink cooler due to the permafrost and depth it had reached!

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?

It is a privilege to work as an archaeologist and be able to pass on stories of who we were, where we come from, and how we have or haven't changed. Stories are what makes us human and to be able to see an artefact, or a location and know something about that area that wasn't known before is extremely special!