Chelsea Gardner
Sacred altars in Mainland Greece: A comprehensive survey of form and distribution in the Archaic and Classical periods
Dr. Hector Williams and Dr. Franco De Angelis
Windsor
Canada
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Conducting research at the graduate level and participating in archaeological excavation allows me to immerse myself in a field for which I am passionate. The study of the antiquity allows us to better understand our own culture, society, and economy and I can't imagine doing anything else – I'm incredibly fortunate that I have been given the opportunity to contribute to knowledge and to do what I truly love.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
The Classical Archaeology specialization within the PhD in Classics at UBC is the ideal setting to engage in multi-disciplinary research at an advanced level. Moreover, attending UBC allowed me the opportunity to benefit from the direct supervision of two scholars with whose work I am deeply fascinated, Dr. Hector Williams and Dr. Franco De Angelis. Finally, the diversity and welcoming atmosphere of the CNERS department as whole appealed greatly to my interests and academic goals.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Becoming a graduate student allowed me to form lasting connections with other graduate students and the faculty and staff in my department - relationships which I value and for which I am grateful, particularly in being new to Vancouver. Also, the city itself and UBC campus are beyond beautiful, with endless opportunities for distractions – but, overall, the best surprise is the extent to which I now appreciate a sunny day!
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
The aim of the compilation of this substantial body of material is straightforward yet essential: I intend to develop an integrated corpus of sacred altars from the Greek mainland in order to supplement current scholarship of Greek sanctuaries with this long-needed research.
What has winning a major award meant to you?
Receiving a major award for my research is indescribable. I am grateful to receive such generous financial support to conduct my graduate studies, and the acknowledgment of my academic achievements in the form of a doctoral scholarship is truly thrilling. I am overjoyed and so proud of the recognition I have received, and this funding will allow me to conduct invaluable field research in Greece that is essential for my doctoral dissertation.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Celebrate your achievement, enjoy this stage in your career, and be sure to strike a good balance between work and social life.
