My upbringing in Hawai’i instilled a passion for maritime cultures and community engaged research. I pursued these interests through an BA in Anthropology and Italian Studies at American University. After working in the industry for a few years, I earned my MSc in Maritime Archaeology from the University of Southampton in 2019 and returned in 2020 to begin my PhD at the same university.
My PhD research draws on experience working with archaeology and heritage management organisations in private and government sectors across the United States and internationally. These organisations include Kamehameha Schools’ Cultural Resource Department, International Archaeology, LLC, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and the Underwater Archaeology Branch of the United States Naval History and Heritage Command.
Select fieldwork experience includes Bahari Yetu, Urithi Wetu in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, Black Sea MAP in Ropotamo, Bulgaria, geophysics and foreshore survey in Southampton, England, and excavations in Punalu’u, Hawai’i.
Previous scholarships and awards include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hollings Scholarship, Santander Scholarship, and the Brumfit Award.
I undertake the following roles and responsibilities in addition to my PhD:
- Research Assistant on Dr Dan Ashton’s research project: Local government data analytics for culture and creativity
- Co-PGR Representative, shared with Max MacDonald
- Co-Organiser of the Archaeology Departmental Seminar Series with Olivia Britter and Dr Anna Collar
- Co-Coordinator of ARCH1057 with Dr John McNabb
- Ho'opa'a with Hālau Nā Puakea o Koʻolaupoko
