Shane Rice (Harvard College Anthropology, Archaeology, '25) Named Obama Foundation Voyager Scholar

Harvard Anthropology (Archaeology) student Shane Rice (Harvard College ’25), who is currently in Kurdistan with Dr. Jason Ur, is one of 100 national Voyager Scholars selected by the Obama Foundation.

We were thrilled to have the chance to check in with him and hear more about what he’s been up to in the scope of his recent field work:

“This summer I had the opportunity to participate in 2 archaeological field projects. I spent almost all of August with NOMAD Science Mongolia working with reindeer herders in the taiga regions of Khövsgöl Province. I conducted surface surveys, established surface collection units, kept digital records of artifacts, and spent several weeks on horseback.

After this project, I flew to Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. There, I met with Dr. Jason Ur and a team of Kurdish archaeologists affiliated with the Erbil Plain Archaeological Survey (EPAS). I have been learning how EPAS has leveraged GIS technology to facilitate the large-scale recording and collection of threatened cultural heritage sites throughout the region. I have also gained exposure to various ceramic typologies, along with an invaluable cultural immersion experience. 

While I am excited to be returning to campus soon, I am looking forward to next summer when I will be conducting a summer voyage, as part of the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship. My goal is to return to Kurdistan and continue working with EPAS to further explore the cultural heritage of the region. Before Harvard, I served as an infantryman in the United States Marine Corps. Until I connected with faculty in the Anthropology department, I didn't know what opportunities could be available to an undergraduate concentrator. I hope that sharing my experiences will encourage other veterans of the US Armed Forces to consider how the knowledge, skills, and experience gained in the military have prepared them for success in other pursuits."

Learn more about the Obama Foundation Voyager Scholars Program here.