Sally Hurst
Name
Sally Hurst
Current position
Master of Research student (Palaeontology & Archaeology) | Education Presenter at the Australian Museum
Where did you study?
Bachelors of Arts (Egyptian Archaeology) & Science (Palaeobiology) - Macquarie University
Master of Research (Palaeontology & Archaeology) - Macquarie University
How did you become interested in archaeology?
Growing up on a farm definitely led to a curiosity for things we could find on the land, and paired with a wild imagination, it was possible to find anything. This curiosity and passion for the past never left, and after high school, when I found out MQ Uni offered a major in Ancient Egypt (alongside palaeontology no less) I was absolutely sold that this would be the pathway for me!
What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?
The Found a Fossil project! As part of my Masters, I've created an online resource which provides people with information about what to do if they ever discover an Indigenous artefact/site, or a fossil! The website (www.foundafossil.com) has guidelines created in consultation with professional archaeologists, palaeontologists, and science communicators, and has sections dedicated to the heritage laws in each state, and who people can contact if they find something.
Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries.
As part of the Found a Fossil project, I often get farmers or members of the public contact me about their potential finds! I've been contacted about everything from 10 million year old human remains (not likely), to pterodactyl eggs, to authentic Aboriginal grindstones which I helped in the repatriation process!
Tell us about a funny / disastrous / amazing experience that you have had while doing archaeology.
Being both a palaeontologist and an archaeologist, I am forever being compared to either Indiana Jones, or Ross from Friends (or both) - the key is making sure people aren't mixing up the two fields, but my own career isn't helping the confusion!
What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?
Sharing my passion for the past with others! Science communication and community engagement is the best part of the job! (Also being an immense fountain of trivia knowledge and fun facts is hard to beat).
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