In my three years at university, there have been specific readings and theories that have stuck out to me. My time within archaeology has been largely applied to physical labor and to skill mechanisms rather than theoretical frameworks. Philosophy, on the other hand, has been exclusively theoretical.

Taphonomy

Under the purview of my anthropology degree, my focus of forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology led me to detailed studies of taphonomy. The study of decomposition and the second, largely overlooked, life after death is hugely influential to me. I hope to work in these contexts so as to strengthen my analytical approaches to sensitive topics. I have read Marcella Sorg’s book on taphonomy cover to cover and has catapulted my interests in forensics.

Logicism and Formal Logic

Within philosophy, one of the most transformational classes I have taken is in formal logic. This work in proofs helped redefine my understanding of mathematics and the world around me. Working closely with philosophy faculty, my Formal Logic course was among the most influential of classes.

Experimental Archaeology