The University of Sheffield has one of the best archaeology/biological anthropology programs in the world!
Which is your home country?
United States
What and where have you studied during your education?
Mount Holyoke College (Undergraduate)
University of Sheffield (Masters)
University of Sheffield (Ph.D.)
Were you awarded any scholarships by TUoS? Which ones?
Yes! My Ph.D. was funded by the Doctoral Academy at the University of Sheffield
Why did you decide to study a Sheffield MSc degree programme?
The University of Sheffield has one of the best archaeology/biological anthropology programs in the world!
What did you enjoy most about your course and the subject you were studying?
I loved the skeletal laboratories which were essential for getting hands-on experience. The archaeological skeletal collections are perfect for both learning and research.
What attracted you to the University of Sheffield?
Again, the University of Sheffield has one of the best archaeology/biological anthropology programs in the world.
The Department of Archaeology was very supportive. The faculty are exceptionally supportive and the other students are a very welcoming group! I really liked having a shared office with the other Ph.D. students.
Sarah Poniros
PhD
What made you want to study in the UK?
I was hesitant to leave home and move to another country, but the archaeology department offered such a unique program that fit my research interests so well.
What is it like to be a postgraduate student in the Department of Archaeology?
The Department of Archaeology was very supportive. The faculty are exceptionally supportive and the other students are a very welcoming group! I really liked having a shared office with the other Ph.D. students.
What are you doing now?
I’m currently a Visiting Assistant Professor teaching Biological Anthropology and Forensic Anthropology at Fairfield University
How has the department and/or University helped you to work towards reaching your goals after graduation?
I never would have had this amazing opportunity without the Department of Archaeology. My supervisors, Lizzy Craig-Atkins and Maureen Carroll were always so supportive. They not only helped with my research, but they also helped me apply for opportunities to expand my experience so I would be ready for a teaching position at a university.
What do you like most about living in Sheffield?
Sheffield is a big city but it doesn’t feel too big! I really liked living in Walkley. It felt like a smaller community within Sheffield and lots of other Ph.D. students also lived there.
What was the most difficult thing to get used to whilst living in a different country?
I didn’t find the transition to be too difficult. I did miss family a lot, but I was able to visit often and they also came to visit me.
Do you have any advice for students from your home country thinking about studying a postgraduate course in archaeology at Sheffield?
I recommend going to the department and working with the other students! There’s a great support system and lots of the students are also international. It’s great to make friends with others who are also in a new city!