After his sophomore year at Dickinson, Alex Carbone ’27 (archaeology, anthropology) completed an internship in Peru, excavating a cemetery in Peru. Below, he describes what he learned through this experience, and why he says archaeology is “the perfect blend of science and culture.”
Hometown:
Nazareth, Pa.
Majors:
Archaeology and anthropology.
Best thing about my major:
I love how hands-on each of my courses have been. Archaeology is the perfect blend of science and culture, and I love how it allows me to be very active and hands-on as I learn about human history.
About my internship:
I did fieldwork in Peru with El Campanario Archaeological Project. I’ve been learning about fieldwork throughout my time at Dickinson.
I was able to excavate a cemetery in Huarmey, Peru, and to work directly with human and animal remains, textiles, ceramics and more. I learned excavation techniques (specifically sand excavation), artifact cleaning, how to catalogue artifacts, and how to put together a biological profile and read osteological remains of both people and certain animals.
Favorite class/learning experience:
Archaeological Methods, because it gave me the hands-on experience of excavating in the field. It prepared me well for much of what I experienced while in field school.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
Networking: You can learn a lot from talking to someone and understanding what they have gone through and learned.
Clubs and organizations:
Archaeology Club and Mermaid Players.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Read more Student Snapshots.
Published December 17, 2025