 |
Craig Cipolla Major: Anthropology M.A.: Historical Archaeology Year of Graduation: 2003 |
Where do you live and work?
I live in Philadelphia, PA where I am a doctoral student in the Department of
Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. As part of my fellowship at
UPenn, I am required to assist in teaching introductory level Anthropology
courses. Last semester I taught Introduction to Physical Anthropology, and
this semester I am teaching Anthropology of the Modern World.
What is your occupation now?
Full time student and teaching assistant.
What did you do immediately after graduating from UMass Boston?
Immediately after graduating in 2003, I started the MA program in Historical
Archaeology at UMB. After finishing my MA in 2005 I went on to the University
of Pennsylvania.
What has been your most worthwhile professional experience so far?
Since I am an archaeologist, one of the most useful aspects of my experience
has been field work. This began when I enrolled in the Shelter Island field
school run by Steve Mrozowski in 2002. Since then I have worked and taught at
a handful of field schools in the Northeast.
Also, designing and writing my MA thesis was a real learning experience.
What are the one or two events, courses or people that stand out in your mind
from your time at UMass Boston?
This is a difficult question! One of the best things about the Anthropology
Department at UMB is the enthusiasm and availability of the faculty and
staff. Most all of the faculty and staff archaeologists (i.e. Steve Silliman,
Steve Mrozowski, David Landon, Judy Zeitlin, Heather Trigg, Dennis Piechota)
have played a significant role in shaping my career. I think the Steves had
the most influence on my development. Both were (and still are) willing to
sit and discuss issues.
My honors thesis research was really important for my intellectual
development. It was good because it gave me a chance to do my own work and
get a feel for archaeological lab work and analysis rather than just taking
more courses.
I was also the office assistant in the Department for about a year. During
that time I took the opportunity to pick the brains of all Anthropology
faculty and staff that filtered through the Anthro office. I learned a lot
that year.
Has studying anthropology impacted your perspective
(personally,professionally, or other)? If so, how?
In general it has made me a lot more critical of the world.
Is there a piece of advice you wish someone had offered you while still an undergraduate student at UMass?
These were offered to me but I think they are worth mentioning:
1. Take the time to get to know your professors and their research interests.
2. If you want to go to graduate school, research different departments and
make sure that you get along with any potential future advisors. The advisor-
advisee relationship is key in graduate school and you don't want to be stuck
with the wrong person.