Anthropology STUdents Apply Real-World Archaeology Skills in Poland

Fourth-year Anthropology STUdents Jack Gallien and Trysten White gained hands-on experience in archaeology at a medieval cemetery in Poland, deepening their passion for the field and gaining specialized training in human osteology and mortuary archaeology.  

  

"This trip confirmed that archaeology is what I want to pursue, both academically and professionally," said Gallien.    

    

White echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the practical value of the experience.     

    

"It gave me tools for my master's degree and deepened my love for fieldwork," she said.     

 

Expanding Academic and Professional Connections 

    

During the trip, Gallien and White received intensive, supervised training from archaeologists and biological anthropologists, both in the lab and on-site at the Slavia Field School in Mortuary Archaeology. They developed proficiency in core archaeological techniques, including mapping, excavation, feature recognition, and artifact recovery, while learning the specialized skill of disinterring human burials.  

  

White said the experience expanded her academic and professional connections.   

 

"This experience helped me earn two certificates at STU and encouraged me to connect with professors on academic interests beyond their courses,” she said.     

 

In addition to the excavation work, the students immersed themselves in Polish culture, visiting local markets, learning to make authentic pierogi, and traveling by train to nearby cities and countries on weekends.   

   

"Being able to help excavate a part of Polish history while immersing ourselves in the culture made the experience even more enriching," said Gallien.    

 

Anthropology at STU  
  

Gallien and White developed an interest in archaeology after completing a minor in Forensic Anthropology with Professor Moira McLaughlin. This experience provided them with the foundational skills in osteological methods, which proved critical to their success in the field.   

   

"Completing the Forensic Anthropology minor at STU helped me recognize skeletal articulation and assess whether remains had been moved post-mortem," said White.     

    

She also highlighted the importance of ethical training in handling human remains.     

    

"I already knew the methods used in handling remains from my classes at STU, which helped immensely during the excavation," she said.     

    

Gallien said he was grateful for all the support that made the trip possible.    

    

"The funding from Experiential Learning relieved financial stress, and the support from my professors was incredibly encouraging," he said.    

  

Inspired in part by their involvement in the field school, Galllien and White plan to pursue graduate studies in archeology after completing their Bachelor of Arts degrees.  

  
This program was funded by Global Skills Opportunity through the STU Experiential Learning Office & Career Development.