Joshua Stewart, a 21 year old Archaeology student from Pennsylvania, USA.

Question 1. In the current economic climate, what made you decide to undertake an archaeology degree?

Academic interest in history and culture. I've always planned to enter academia, so honestly the "economic climate" for my future was always sort of grim.

Question 2. Currently, what do you perceive to be the most significant archaeological find that you have made and why is this?

It hasn't been in the field, but I am currently working on some theory work for a research grant project that I think is really interesting. Its an application of social memory and landscape studies to three sites that haven't been covered in the social theory literature yet. It's nothing fantastic, but its pretty cool for an undergrad.

Question 3. What/ where do you see yourself to be in ten years time? 

Hopefully working towards tenure at a university.

Question 4. An archaeology student’s degree is multi-disciplinary, sociable and academically challenging. During your time as an archaeology student what has been the most memorable moment within or out of the lecture theatre? 

I'm a student from the US. I did a field school with the University of Reading at Silchester in 2008. That was my first experience in the field, and has remained my favourite and most memorable. It cemented for me that this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

Question 5. What are you currently doing? (Excavating, working, holidaying etc.)

Working on a paper funded by a Mellon grant during my summer break.

Question 6. What are your thoughts and feelings about commercial archaeology?

Right now, I think that they are the only thing standing between people who value progress over preservation. As long as this is the system we have, they are the ones who are out there every day trying to make sure we protect what we can.

Question 7. Has your perception of archaeology on TV changed since you undertook your degree? (E.g. Time team, meet the ancestors, Bonekickers). 

I spend more time yelling at the television than I used to, if that answers the question.