Australian archaeologists work in a huge range of fields, investigating diverse aspects of our past. A generous bunch of Australian archaeologists have shared their stories with us. Click on the profiles below to find out more!
If you would like to add your story, please get in touch, or fill in the form below.
Sarah says, ‘since it’s impossible to be a time traveller, archaeology is the next best thing!’, and who could argue with that. As part of her work as a consultant archaeologist, she loves researching the environmental and historical contexts of locations that she works in, and imagining what things would have been like in the past.
Read MoreFor Sam, being an archaeologist means having the opportunity to learn something new with every project, and to connect with a wide range of people from different backgrounds. Sometimes it does also mean excavating rat skulls, however.
Read MoreFelicity first encountered archaeology in her Year 11 Ancient History class, and has never looked back. Her favourite part of being an archaeologist is the challenge to always ask questions, to be always learning and refining skills and understanding. One of those crucial skills being, of course, how to cross electric fences while on surveys …
Read MoreSheahan grew up in a house that was built in 1856, playing in old sheds with nearly 150 years of junk. What else could she do but become an archaeologist? Now she is working on phytolith analysis from a site in southern China, finding out about plants and people, right at the point where rice was first being domesticated.
Read MoreLara explains the significance of finding an olive pip at Pella in Jordan, showing how the smallest of finds can help to answer the biggest of questions about the human past.
Read MoreWorking in archaeology and museums, Cambria has found ways to explore and share knowledge about the past with people who may not have written documentation of their history. She also shares the experience common to all archaeologists, of always finding the most important feature on site five minutes before the end of the day!
Read MoreLyle’s day-to-day work ranges from documentary research to producing maps and 3D photogrammetry from drone imagery. His favourite part of being an archaeologist will ring true for many: ‘Nerding out and digging into the history of a site or place’!
Read MoreAfter a break due to covid, Keir is very much looking forward to getting back to fieldwork in the incredible urban landscapes of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruva in Sri Lanka. Hopefully no dips in crocodile-infested lakes this time …
Read MorePedro tells a familiar story of following his twin loves of history and the outdoors to archaeology, the best of those two worlds! And another familiar story of digging away for two weeks, only to have a senior archaeologist come by and find the most interesting artefact in your trench …
Read MoreArchaeology was a hobby Emma shared with her father, and now it’s her job as well! From General Gordon in Bendigo to an eel-infested drain in Port Phillip Bay, with every project she works on she gets wrapped up in the research and the stories.
Read MoreSally is a palaeontologist AND an archaeologist [this is not helping Sally], and she has created a website that provides you with information about what to do if you ever discover an Indigenous artefact, or a fossil! Jump onto Sally’s website Found a Fossil to find out more.
Read MoreLeah’s archaeological career is part of a broader concern for her cultural heritage, inherited from her Ancestors through her grandmother and mother. But without neglecting valuable practical lessons from her uncle, about the dangers of falling into trenches and standing in ants nests.
Read MoreCaitlin chose archaeology as a career, looking for a practical application for her passion for history. In her first week on the job, she found herself down an old abandoned flue - wet, dark, claustrophobic and smelly. Fortunately it wasn’t glamour she was looking for.
Read MoreElise explains how every archaeological discovery is interesting, right from the small ‘boring’ things to the big shiny things. Every little element has a part to play in creating the story.
Read MoreIldikë followed her love of adventure, history and the outdoors to archaeology! She is now working on diverse projects right across the country, and still loves the travel and discovery, plus going behind the scenes on site.
Read MoreWhen Karyn was a kid, her sister set up a science lab in her room, complete with a small sandpit that she had buried some toys in. Once her spoon-shovel hit that sand she knew that she would become an archaeologist one day!
Read MoreA love of history and cultures, as well as being outdoors, started Shari on an archaeological career that so far has taken her across Australia and beyond, to England, Germany, Egypt, and Kosovo.
Read MoreMichelle’s current research includes exploring the use of hard animal materials such as bone, teeth, antler, ivory, and shell in creating tools and ornaments by communities around the globe over the past 100,000 years. She has had the privilege of studying many of the oldest pieces of personal ornamentation found in our region.
Read MoreOne of many recruited to archaeology by Professor Indiana Jones, Donna’s current research involves building 3D computer models of early Christian churches to understand how ancient people used these ritual spaces.
Read MoreA career in archaeology was the inevitable outcome of combining childhood interests in murder mysteries with Cairo Jim and Neptune Flannelbottom Bone. Stephanie is now channelling her enthusiasm into research into the Iron Age of southeast Arabia.
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