Hi there! My name's Erika (she​/​her) and I am a sophomore studying archaeological anthropology and ancient civilizations at Penn, looking to concentrate in ancient near eastern archaeology (think Mesopotamia). I'm involved in several clubs on campus, including the Museum Undergraduate Society (MUSe) as a board member; lead articles editor for Discentes, Penn's classics magazine; member of the undergraduate advisory board for the classics department (UAB); clarinetist in the Penn Band; and participant in various fun groups including Yarnaholics, the Stressed Out Drawing Club (SODC), and After School Arts Program (ASAP) where I crochet, draw fun comics, and teach local elementary students how to play the clarinet, respectively. Over the course of my first year and into the second, the Penn Museum has truly become my home-away-from-home. I'd be happy to show you its library (aka the best spot to study on campus because no one knows about it) and share all the info I've gained over my time here that I wish I knew as an incoming student!

Hometown

Marathon, NY

Major(s)

Archaeological Anthropology

Minor(s)

Ancient History

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Officer for Clio Society​/​MUSe, the undergraduate board of the Penn Museum. Lead Editor for the Articles team for Discentes Classics Magazine. Clarinet in the Penn Band. Taught clarinet at Platt Student Performing Arts Center through ASAP (After School Arts Program). Member of the Undergraduate Classics Board.

Describe your college experience

I had a bit of a rough transition at first as a student coming from an extremely rural community to a big city like Philadelphia, but after a school year and summer living there I've come to love the area as my home-away-from-home!

Tip for future students

Before I started college, I wish I had had more experience with "adulting"--navigating insurance, financial aid, scheduling doctor's appointments--definitely start doing these on your own or walk through them with your parents before starting college because it's super hard to do on your own for the first time!

Favorite class

ANTH 1480: Food and Fire: Archaeology in the Laboratory with Professor Katherine Moore. Its a great introductory course to the archaeology side of anthropology, introducing you to ceramics, lithics, archaeobotany, and metallurgy. And, it is extremely hands on--I made an obsidian knife using a stone and a chunk of raw obsidian for one of my recitations!

Career goals

After college, I am currently looking to be an anthropology professor as I enjoy teaching, and it would also help fund the archaeological research I would like to do on the Ancient Near East (think of Mesopotamia).

Ideal way to spend a free night

I like to spend a free evening either exploring a new part of the city with friends, or staying in and watching shows to unwind from the week.

High school or secondary school

Marathon Central School

Favorite spot on campus

The Main Entrance to the Penn Museum near the koi pond. I love sitting at one of the tables there doing some work or eating lunch in-between my classes there, and I love seeing all the birds there including our local red-tailed hawk!