Archaeological and Heritage Research Projects


Public Outreach Officer

Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA)- April 2019- Present

I manage the social media and external communication for the CAA and accompanying journal, JCAA. This involves advertising the work that scholars publish in the journal, sharing information about the annual meetings, and writing seasonal newsletters for members.


Field Archaeologist

Archeologisch Onderzoek Leiden (Archol), NL – October 2020 – 2022

Assisted in archaeological excavations, test trenches and artifact processing for this Dutch commercial company. Documented special archaeological artifacts and features using photogrammetry for the purpose of preservation and public outreach.


Dutch- English Translations

TGV Teksten En Presentatie – December 2020- January 2021

Provided translations and editing for the English version of the historical fiction book “Night of the Stirling”, written by Evert van Ginkel.


Medieval Rotterdam Walking Tour Narration

Gemeente Rotterdam Archaeologie (NL)- March 2019

Through the iziTravel App, Rotterdam archaeologists created a visual guide to the medieval archaeology of Rotterdam, in which users can follow videos while doing a walking tour. I was invited to create the English version of this narration so that English speaking visitors to the city may also learn about its past. A blog post about this effort was published in Leiden University’s Faculty of Archaeology blog.


Thesis completed in partial fulfillment of my Master of Arts Degree. The full Pdf can be made available upon request.

“Digital Reciprocity? Exploring the potential of 3D imaging within the repatriation of First Nation cultural material.”

Abstract: In its historical process of internal colonization, the Canadian government prioritized the elimination of the rights and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. This included the confiscation of objects of sacred value, which have since been housed in museums within Canada and worldwide. The repatriation of these cultural materials assists in the reconciliation of Indigenous Peoples and settler societies, and to revitalize cultures that the government aimed to eliminate. This movement towards repatriating objects comes at a time when museums are trying to modernize their archival and exhibition practices by using new technologies. A 2017 symposium on repatriation found that many First Nations in British Columbia would welcome the digitization of their material culture; however, more research is needed to determine proper formatting, management, and accessibility to digital heritage. This thesis aims to shed light on these concerns and ask two central questions: what is the current state of repatriation in BC and internationally, and what are the legalities, ethics and logistics that should be considered before 3D modelling repatriated material. Creating 3D models of material culture which will be repatriated to its community of origin is time consuming and costly; furthermore, training individuals to use 3D modelling software is necessary, as is creating a digital repository for holding large amounts of data. Despite these limitations, examples of past 3D replications of Indigenous culture material show multiple benefits. Practical applications of 3D modelling has been conducted for this thesis research using the Nextengine Ultra HD Laser Scanner and Agisoft Metashape Professional in order to compare methods of 3D imaging, and to determine the logistics of producing 3D models of material undergoing repatriation. A complete workflow is included in order to establish a best practice framework for future digitization projects. My thesis concludes that 3D modelling and 3D printing can allow the original item to be returned to its community and be used for its original ceremonial purpose or to be buried. 3D replicas have the potential to allow for the continued research into the material past, be used as reference tools for traditional artists, and to educate the public about the importance of repatriation. In order to achieve these benefits, collaboration is needed between the stakeholder communities and museums, and it is advised that levels of access and intellectual property rights be determined before commencement. In this way 3D modelling can be a tool within the repatriation process, not as digital repatriation, but as a method for reciprocal heritage preservation.


Research Intern

TGV Teksten en Presentaties (Leiden, NL)- January 2019

This internship was completed in partial fulfillment of my Master’s Degree. It involved researching the archaeological remains of the Roman Frontier in the Netherlands, known as the Limes. The report aimed to ask the question “should information about a site that has World Heritage Status be available in multiple languages, so that non-Dutch speakers may also understand its importance?” The report on the language accessibility of the Roman Limes was published and presented to the Erfgoedtafel Limes South-Holland Meeting in May 2019, for consideration in part of the World Heritage nomination process.


Trench Supervisor

Morrissey Internment Camp Excavation. Fernie, BC (Canada) July- August 2017. Directed by Dr. Sarah Beaulieu.

This excavation investigated the imprisonment of German and Austro-Hungarian citizens living in Canada during the First World War. During my time on this project, I supervised the excavation of a trench, assisted in field surveying, and contributed to the maintenance of a burial ground. This project was a sobering and eye-opening experience in which I learned more about one of Canada’s concealed histories. It provided an opportunity to work first hand with various stakeholders in the community and listen to their views on how sensitive project’s such as this one should be handled.

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