Claire Baxter

Current position

Recently finished studying and looking for work.

Where did you study?

University of New England, University of Glasgow

How did you become interested in archaeology?

I've always been interested in history and thought that archaeology might offer more practical career options. Plus the opportunity to get out of an office and potentially do some traveling as well.

What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?

I recently finished my master's in conflict archaeology so am writing my thesis up into a journal article.

Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries.

I've worked on three different digs in three different countries and each time really interesting things have been found in other trenches, but my trench has contained nothing at all. For example at Waterloo someone else found a cannonball and some amputated limbs, and at Old Govan Parish Church a schoolboy volunteer found some old Viking gravestones which were believed to have been lost.

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

I worked with an organisation called Waterloo Uncovered last July which undertakes archaeology at Waterloo in Belgium and combines students, volunteers, professional archaeologists and also veterans of recent conflicts who may be suffering from physical or mental injuries. It has been found that the repetitive, detailed nature of archaeology is therapeutic for those suffering from PTSD. It was such an amazing experience working on battlefield archaeology alongside veterans and having them be so open about their experiences and what they've been dealing with. Great all-round learning experience.

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?

I enjoy the opportunity to investigate history from different points of view. Too often history books only take into account the views of white men, so I enjoy thinking about how others -women, indigenous people, children, the poor and illiterate - may have experienced the same events. I believe archaeology can help to uncover some of these stories.