Student Spotlight: Enter Emily!

Emily Andera is a Biology major at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska. She enjoys coffee, not eating mushrooms (which leaves more for the rest of us), and forensic science. She is looking forward to learning more about mummy studies during her time in Sicily this summer. We tracked Emily down to ask her about taking part in the UNL Mummy Studies Field School this summer.

Hey, Emily! How did you hear about our program?
I heard about the program through Dr. Benham at NWU and his mentee, Johnica, who was visiting one of our classes.

What made you interested in our program?
Meeting Dr. Reinhard for coffee after staying in contact with Johnica got me interested in the program. I am most interested in the hands on experience dealing with mummies that the school has to offer.

What are you most looking forward to about our program?
I am most looking forward to getting hands-on experience dealing with decomposition/mummies and also to understanding how examining the dead can be different in other cultures.

What are you most worried/anxious about your upcoming adventure in Sicily?
I am unsure about how I will react to mass graves. I'm also worried about money, but what college kid doesn't worry about money?

What are your goals after you finish your undergraduate degree?
My goal is to obtain a job in Arizona as a CSI technician or to be accepted and attend George Washington University for their Masters in Crime Scene Investigation program.

Is this your first time out of the country?
No, I have been to Italy before. I visited about 7 cities on the mainland. I have also been to Mexico.

Do you know any Italian words or phrases yet?
I am currently learning Italian on Duolingo. I know general phrases that a child would know!

Who is your favorite mummy?
My favorite mummy is King Tut due to the mystery that surrounds his death. Mummies have always interested me though since I studied Egyptian history as a child.