December 18, 2025
16 students received AIA Field School Scholarships in 2025. Made possible through the Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarships and the newly established American School of Prehistoric Research Scholarships and Laura Obolensky Scholarships, these awards support emerging archaeologists as they gain hands-on experience at sites across the globe. Stay tuned as we highlight their stories and share updates from the field!
Alexandria Crosby (University of Houston)
Field School location: Antiochia ad Cragum, Gazipaşa, Turkey
Scholarship: Laura Obolensky Scholarship
This summer, Alexandria Crosby of the University of Houston participated in the Antiochia ad Cragum Archaeological Research Project. During her first archaeological fieldwork experience, she worked primarily on excavations of Roman bath complexes—particularly the Small Bath—gaining hands-on experience in excavation, artifact processing, and conservation.
Beyond the excavation, Alexandria’s meaningful exchanges with Turkish scholars, students, and locals encouraged reflection on culture, communication, identity, and global citizenship.
Advice for future scholarship winners going on their first digs?
After the initial stress of travel and being far away from home fades, really try to live in each moment presently. Enjoy the new environment. Enjoy inhabiting another identity as a foreigner. Know that you’re a part of history. Even if you’re feeling uncomfortable, stressed, sore, sleep deprived–embrace it. Pay close attention to how you’re feeling. Take every opportunity to interact with locals. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures–and don’t be shy to take pictures with your favorite people!
