Transferring to Hofstra gave me an opportunity to relive the first day of my undergraduate career, stress and all. It was overwhelming at first, but I wanted to hit the ground running and join a group, volunteer, or do anything that would make me feel more like a member of the Hofstra community. I narrowed the number of organizations, programs, and Center’s down to a short list of the ones that reflected my interests and aspirations. I reached out to advisors, chairs, and directors, including Dr. Phillippi, the director of the Center for Public Archaeology and professor of anthropology. We met to talk about the department and about archaeology in general, which is when I learned he was accepting applications for the Center’s competitive internship. …show more content…
For example, I had to synthesize a solution of Paraloid B-72, a resin which conservationists and laboratory technicians use as a barrier and adhesive for museum objects. I, along with my fellow interns, read guidelines, procedures, and publications and together we brainstormed how to make a 15% solution of B-72 dissolved in reagents grade acetone. Under the supervision of Dr. Phillippi, we successfully created a workable solution by measuring mass through displacement, which we now use for applying a barrier layer to archaeological objects recovered from sites which the Center had previously excavated. I also learned how to identify and distinguish rim morphology attributes of 18th century ceramic shards, when matching them for eventual …show more content…
For example, the internship provides a setting where I can test different ways to communicate my ideas to a team of peers while encouraging them to share their thoughts and contributions. It took time, but I also learned the value in developing habits that help balance my priorities appropriately, including my schooling, internship obligations, and community service, appropriately. Lastly, Dr. Phillippi has really given me the chance to develop my ideas and exercise my creativity. I am able to use these newly developed personal practices in my position as a board member for the animal welfare non-profit “Nobody Starves on Long