Sean Britt
M.A. in Historical Archaeology
Year of graduation: 2005
Where do you live and work?
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
What is your occupation now?
Conservation Director, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (www.y2y.net)
What did you do immediately after graduating from UMass Boston?
I moved to Calgary, Alberta and began working for Yellowstone to Yukon.
What has been your most worthwhile professional experience so far?
My current position as Conservation Director. I am responsible for a budget of over $800,000, developing a vision and the workplan for a US-Canada trans-boundary conservation program, and managing a staff of five. However, the most rewarding aspect of the job is highlighting the connection that both humans and wildlife have with the environment and searching for solutions that will benefit all. This is directly connected with my M.A. thesis where I studied the historical relationships between humans and the environment through the examination of charred wood.
What are the one or two events, courses or people that stand out in your
mind from your time at UMass Boston?
One event that stands out in my mind is my thesis project. I was responsible for developing, funding and overseeing the project which took place on the Caribbean island of Nevis. This experience provided valuable experience for situations I face in my current position.
One course that I will never forget is theory with Professor Silliman. The subject matter was both challenging and inspiring, two attributes I value in life. In addition, Professor Silliman consistently forced us to think beyond our comfort zone, which at times proved difficult but always added great value to the material. Often this added value was the difference between understanding the meaning of the task/reading or not.
Two people stand out for me. Dr. Mrozowski is a professor you will never forget. His anecdotes about life in and out of the field keep you interested and engaged while his metaphors and descriptions about complex theories allow you to understand them as part of everyday life.
I will also always remember Dr. Trigg. Her support and encouragement not only provided guidance through the thesis process, but her passion for archaeobotany showed me the potential that charred wood can have. She also was instrumental in helping combine my passion for social values within complex slave societies with archaeobotanical remains.
Has studying anthropology impacted your perspective (personally,
professionally, or other)? If so, how?
Studying anthropology/archaeology as an undergrad and as a graduate has impacted every aspect of my life. To list all the ways would take too much space. The best synopsis is that it has opened up my mind to view and appreciate the world through a variety of lenses.
Is there a piece of advice you wish someone had offered you while still an
undergraduate student at UMass?
Don't listen to those individuals who tell you that an anthropology/archaeology degree is not marketable in the workforce. The skills/experience you gain can be transferred across a spectrum of opportunities, and as many recent polls show, a number of employers are even looking for individuals with a background in the social sciences.