M.Sc. - Archaeology
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg 01.2022 - 03.2023
Sandee Oster
Zooarchaeologist
Johannesburg
Summary
I am an archaeologist with a Master's degree and extensive expertise in faunal analysis, rock art, and excavation. My focal interest lies in exploring the dynamic relationship between humans and animals across history. I deeply driven to advance my understanding of zooarchaeology through a PhD study with an expert at a remarkable institution. I am committed to pushing forward in this field by publishing my doctoral research and presenting at academic conferences.
Education
B.Sc. - Archaeology
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg 01.2021 - 01.2022
BA - Archaeology
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg 01.2018 - 12.2020
Skills
Faunal Analysis Bone Identification, Measuring, Identifying Cut & Gnaw Marks, Cataloguing
Field & Lab Work Excavation, Field Surveying, Total Station, GPS, Rock Art Identification, Tracing, Lithic Identification, GIS, Sorting, Report Writing
Rock Art Analysis Rock Art Identification, Rock Art Interpretation, Ethnographic Research, Tracing
Work History
Lab Assistant
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
02.2023 - Current
- Processed artefacts from LSA excavations (Melrose 8 & Buterix), which had developed a backlog of 13+ years, promoting my archaeological skills
- Tasked with the sorting & recording of artefacts as well as weighing charcoal and bone
- Identified, labelled, and catalogued artefacts, including lithic fragments, charcoal, microfauna, and seeds
- Collaborated with professors on lithic classification, charcoal analysis, and bone preservation
- Successfully processed materials from both sites, advancing research and understanding of studied sites and time periods.
Museum Tour Guide
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
09.2022 - Current
- Guided tours of up to 25 students at the Origins Museum, immersing visitors in South African Archaeology, Human Origins, San Life, Rock Art, & early southern African Trade
- Expertly conveyed complex concepts & narratives to diverse audiences, fostering an appreciation for the region's rich cultural heritage
- Created immersive learning environments through interactive techniques, impacting visitors' understanding of South African archaeology.
Research Assistant
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
04.2023 - 10.2023
- Volunteered to work on a novel project between the Paleoscience and Computer Science departments focused on developing an algorithm to identify microfauna elements contained in breccia
- Tasked with identifying microfaunal elements and taking photographs of each element
- Created a comprehensive catalogue of images, uploaded to a shared Google Drive for the algorithm team
- Answered questions on element identification and terminology to impart a clearer understanding to the students
- Successfully created a photographic catalogue to train various algorithms in bone element identification and bone identification in mixed sediment types.
Excavation Team Member
Sibudu - Tübingen University
02.2023 - 03.2023
- Was invited to join an international excavation team hosted by Prof
- Nicholas Conard to excavate Sibudu Cave and conduct an analysis of the resulting finds
- Tasked with excavating the IRI layer in Sibudu Cave, sorted diverse coarse sediment & catalogued finds
- Successfully identified & analysed lithics, bones, charcoal, & ochre
- As well as documented cut marks & tooth-gnawing evidence
- Enabled comprehensive analysis & interpretation of the Sibudu artefacts by the research team
- Identified, catalogued & measured bones & lithics for the future, facilitating understanding of early human subsistence strategies & providing valuable insights into ancient human occupation at Sibudu.
Maclear Fieldwork
Maclear, University of the Witwatersrand
04.2022 - 05.2022
- Maclear District
- Engaged in an exploration project in the Maclear district
- The goal was to locate & document San rock art sites for inclusion in the rock art database
- Explored the Maclear district, locating & documenting San rock art sites
- Recorded archaeological features using the total station & collaborated with locals in surveys to enhance the area's historical context
- Employed tracing techniques to accurately capture the San rock art
- Meticulously recorded archaeological features, including walls & buildings
- Used GPS technology to document rock art shelter locations
- Ensured precise documentation of locations for analysis & preservation of sites
- Successfully documented & added San rock art sites to the rock art database
- Tracing techniques allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the rock art's symbolic & cultural significance.
Ermelo Field Work and Excavation
University Of The Witwatersrand
Ermelo
10.2021 - 11.2021
- Conducted a thorough re-excavation of a rock shelter previously inhabited by San hunter-gatherers and participated in a comprehensive field survey for a Heritage Impact Assessment report
- Systematically located, recorded, & traced captivating rock art across various farms in the Ermelo District
- Documented & recorded GPS location of stone walling, graves, & artefacts from pre- & post-European contact eras
- Methodically sorted & documented laboratory results for artefacts & faunal remains
- Wrote detailed reports, including a comprehensive Heritage Impact Assessment covering Phase I & II evaluations, revealing valuable insights into the area’s cultural practices & preservation.
Tutor
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg
01.2021 - 11.2022
- Designed & delivered practical sessions focused on bone identification, facilitating experiential learning & strengthening practical skills in osteoarchaeology
- Devised lesson plans to address weaknesses & enhance skill development, bolstering students' proficiency in challenging subjects
- Conducted thorough assessment of assignments, providing constructive feedback to enhance understanding & performance.
Pre-print Papers
- Examining the remaining rock art at Linton, Eastern Cape, & its relationship with the Linton Panel at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town
- Faunal analyses of the Waterfall Bluff, The Paleoecology of Eastern Mpondoland from MIS 3 to the mid-Holocene
Additional Information
- Post Graduate Merit Award (2021)
- Certificate of First Class (2020)
- Certificate of First Class International Relations (2018)
- Certificate of First Class Archaeology (2018)
- Certificate of Merit History (2018)
- University Entrance Scholarship (2018)
Timeline
Research Assistant
University of the Witwatersrand
04.2023 - 10.2023
Lab Assistant
University of the Witwatersrand
02.2023 - Current
Excavation Team Member
Sibudu - Tübingen University
02.2023 - 03.2023
Museum Tour Guide
University of the Witwatersrand
09.2022 - Current
Maclear Fieldwork
Maclear, University of the Witwatersrand
04.2022 - 05.2022
M.Sc. - Archaeology
University of The Witwatersrand
01.2022 - 03.2023
Ermelo Field Work and Excavation
University Of The Witwatersrand
10.2021 - 11.2021
B.Sc. - Archaeology
University of The Witwatersrand
01.2021 - 01.2022
Tutor
University of the Witwatersrand
01.2021 - 11.2022
BA - Archaeology
University of The Witwatersrand
01.2018 - 12.2020
Overview
5
5
years of post-secondary education