Joanna Wells: Hire-a-Panther

A Student’s Perspective

By Joanna Wells
BA in Anthropology & Environmental Studies,  Minor in Forensic Anthropology, May 2015

Working in the Archaeology Lab has been a wonderful experience. As a lab assistant, I work with artifacts that further the understanding of Alaskan prehistory. Being able to work with these artifacts is incredibly meaningful to me because I was a part of the Adelphi excavation this past summer in Trapper Creek, Alaska. Being involved throughout the entire process has made my undergraduate experience much more exciting and significant. As lab manager, I also help students with assignments and research for their anthropology classes. Through this experience, I realize that having a job in college related to my field of study is essential to my future career plans.

Collaborating with Professor Wygal, I have learned so much – excavation techniques, research techniques, and how to prepare artifacts for museum curation. Adelphi has played a large role in my life. Small class sizes and the ability to work one-on-one with my professors have provided me with very useful skills. If I attended a larger university, I truly feel that I would not have had the incredible experiences that I am having at Adelphi.

Working with the Career Center has also been a wonderful experience because everyone involved has always been friendly and willing to help. I would strongly advise other students that finding a job on-campus, especially one within your department, is beneficial to furthering your professional development. I have been employed off-campus in the past and it doesn’t compare to working at Adelphi.