Shaylee Scott, who is enrolled in our accelerated BA-MA program, shares her experience of working at the Center for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (CACHe) and excavating at the Kentucky School for the Blind with UofL Anthropology faculty.

• You are one of the few students in the department to be admitted to the BAMA track- can you tell us what joining this track means academically, and how you qualified for it?

The BAMA track is an accelerated program that allows you to take nine credit hours of graduate level courses so that you can graduate your undergrad with a semester of graduate school already finished. Early on in my career at UofL I knew that I wanted to be a part of the program, so I made sure to get plenty of advising to do so. I applied in the beginning of my junior year and began taking graduate classes. A high GPA and planned coursework always helps!

• You have participated in multiple archaeological projects recently, among them was excavating at the Kentucky School for the Blind this summer. Can you tell us your overall experience of taking part in this project, specifically in terms of the skills you acquired?

The KSB project is an experience that I will forever cherish and consider one of the best moments of my undergrad. Not only did I get to participate in an excavation that truly mattered for the community, but I also got to teach young students of the KSB what archaeology was and how to excavate. I learned how to articulate the skills needed to be an archaeologist to the students and gained a deeper understanding of the history of the KSB itself. Seeing their excitement made me more grateful that I get to study archaeology in school. Definitely something I will never forget!

• You have been working at the Center for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (CACHe), which is a research facility within the Department of Anthropology. How has working at CACHe enriched your education at UofL?

I have been working at CACHe for the last three years, almost the entire time I have been with the university and have learned many archaeological skills. From learning archival work with Dr. Jennings to learning how to microphotograph artifacts with Dr. Smallwood, I have acquired a set of irreplaceable skills that I will carry with me throughout my career as an archaeologist. My experience there has been nothing but illuminating and valuable, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity. I am a first-generation college student and it really gave me a sense of purpose in school.

• Any advice to fellow anthropology students at UofL?

I have two main sets of advice. The first is to explore all aspects of anthropology and take a variety of classes. Anthropological knowledge is so vast! Make sure to pay attention to the knowledge you find most interesting, you may be doing that same kind of research in your graduate studies. The most important advice I can give is do not be scared to ask for help or advising from the Anthropology professors. My experience in this department is that they truly want to help. They will be some of your best (and nicest) resources on campus.

Shaylee Scott digging at the Kentucky School for the Blind with other participants.

Shaylee Scott with visitors at the Center for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage.