Archaeology and religious studies major builds hands-on skills through studying Maya ceramics

Teagan Knutson ’25, an archaeology and religious studies major at The College of Wooster, found the footing to thrive at a career in archaeology during her internship in Guatemala. Knutson and her APEX Fellowship mentor, Erzsebet Regan, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, designed a flexible schedule to accommodate the internship abroad. With support from the fellowship, Knutson worked with archaeologists from the Proyecto Arquelógico Waka’ (PAW) based in the Laguna del Tigre National Park within the Maya Biosphere Reserve co-directed by Olivia Navarro-Farr, associate professor of archaeology and anthropology at the College. As an archaeology ceramic analysis intern, Knutson developed a strong archaeological skillset and network, preparing her to return to the site following graduation.  

“I plan to continue in archaeology, so the hands-on skills are vital to my success. I have also made connections that will influence my entire career.” 

— Teagan Knutson ’25 

Q: How did you learn about the internship opportunity for your APEX Fellowship? 

Knutson: After going to Guatemala on a TREK in 2023, I was determined to find a way to go back for the whole summer and find a way to finance it. While brainstorming with one of my advisors, Dr. Navarro-Farr, she mentioned the APEX Fellowship. 

Q: What interests you most about the work you did? 

Knutson: I spent the first month of my internship in the Guatemalan jungle in Petén at the archaeological site El Perú-Waka, following archaeologists working on site excavation. For the second part of my fellowship, I lived in the project lab house and learned about archaeological ceramic analysis. 

Q: Who was your fellowship mentor, and how did they help you to succeed in this position? 

Knutson: Dr. Regan was an incredibly helpful mentor during my fellowship.  Archaeology is a field that requires a flexible schedule, so we made a flexible assignment schedule to match. 

Q: What are some skills you’ve learned that you see yourself carrying forward in your career? 

Knutson: I plan to continue in archaeology, so the hands-on skills are vital to my success. I have also made connections that will influence my entire career. Through the archaeologists on the project, I could attend exclusive tours of several active excavations and social events with archaeologists from many projects. It was thanks to my teammate Alyssa Henns ’23 that I learned about the Guatemala TREK, Dr. Navarro-Farr for taking me, and my fellow students and archaeologists in Guatemala for making me want to go back.  

Q: How has the internship helped you to see what’s next for you? 

Knutson: On the Waka’ project, Wooster students have a good reputation. During my time this summer, I was personally invited by the co-directors to return. By returning for a third summer, I will be building a solid connection to the project itself, especially after completing my I.S. on an artifact from the project. I am excited to go back to the excavation site in the Petén jungle.

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories 2024 on August 11, 2024.