IFR has continued to support California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) students through the Vera Campbell Promise Scholarship program. CSULA attracts students from local neighborhoods, many coming from economically challenged backgrounds and the first in their families to attend university. Most have never traveled outside California, let alone the US. For the 2024 field season, the Vera Campbell Promise Scholarship program was expanded to include undergraduates from any Los Angeles County college or university. Read about the exemplary students below who were awarded Vera Campbell Scholarships to participate in an IFR study away field program!
2024 Scholarship Awardees
Brizeida Alvarez Arana Ireland: Monastic Midlands
Brizeida is originally from the Bay Area, but is currently a graduating senior at UCLA. She is a proud first-generation student in her fourth year majoring in Anthropology with a minor in Spanish. At UCLA, Brizeida has been conducting an independent research project that focuses on indigenous identity. Her research seeks to understand how the Yoreme/Mayo, an indigenous group in Sinaloa, Mexico are preserving/maintaining their identity through specific forms of cultural involvement during challenging times in their community. When she is not studying, she likes to explore new places in LA with her friends and find new trails to hike.
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
I wanted to delve deeper into my Mexican heritage and the accomplishments of indigenous groups, which are often overlooked. Through archaeology and field research, I can explore the rich history of these cultures and their lasting impact on the present.
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
I am most excited to learn about the types of methods used in archaeology, especially the community based approach. I am eager to learn how archaeologists form relationships and communicate with community members as a form of respecting their cultural heritage.
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
From the program I hope to gain skills in archaeological techniques and a better understanding of the local culture in Ireland, especially from a holistic perspective.
Tanichéé Cain Romania Bioarchaeology Excavation
Tanichéé is an artist who grew up all over as a military brat, but now calls Los Angeles home. For over a decade she’s worked in the TV/Film industry in art departments doing a little bit of everything. She likes working as a prop master most but will occasionally do production design. Recently she went back to school to study anthropology and found a love for archaeology, more specifically bioarchaeology. Coming back to school after so long has been stressful, so in her free time she makes sure to do fun things like cooking, circus arts, and painting!
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
I really like the historical and storytelling parts of archaeology. The unique experience of excavation and analysis is so exciting because you never know exactly what you’ll find!
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
I’m mostly excited to be adding to a larger project, I like the idea of helping fill in unanswered questions. I’m also excited to be immersed in Transylvanian culture.
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
I want to work in bioarchaeology so this field school is important for gaining hands on experience. I look forward to gaining a real skillset that I can use in the future.
Sabrina Flores Ireland Monastic Midlands
Sabrina Flores was born and raised in the historic city of Monterey, California where she volunteered for some of the cultural events held in the community. Her participation in those events led to her traveling throughout the sunny state and instilled within her a passion for history, community, and cultural heritage. She attended and graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in May 2023. After graduation she briefly worked for Carmel Mission, and is now working as a Seasonal Curatorial Maintenance Aide for California State Parks and Recreation in Monterey. In her free time Sabrina loves to read about different places and archaeological studies from around the world. Sabrina also plans to continue her studies by applying for graduate programs this upcoming winter.
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
I was 8 years old when a paleontologist visited my class and showed us some of the items they had discovered in a recent dig, and one of the items was a fossilized piece of dinosaur dung. I was amazed at being able to hold the past in my hands, and that feeling stills drives me to pursue my passions.
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
I am most excited about getting to work together with my fellow field school attendees and discover Irish culture together.
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
I hope to gain a understanding of how to conduct field research, and learning more about Ireland’s history.
Ariel Gilmore Colombia Excavation & Ethnography
Ariel Gilmore is originally from Houston, Texas. Throughout High school and early college, she was deeply involved in various organizations across cinema, politics, and community which drove her academic aspirations of becoming a media archaeologist. Ariel is currently pursuing a B.A. in Archaeology & Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Southern California. When Ariel is not focusing on her studies, you’ll find her singing karaoke very loudly ( and poorly) like nobody is watching.
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
I have always been fascinated by the relationship between storytelling and materiality, and anthropology provided a unique perspective to engage these topics. I chose the Columbia Providence Island field school because of its heavy focus on community engagement and ethnography, and I believe this shares a similar mission to my academic interests in using storytelling to preserve the history that is being created every day.
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
I am most excited for the community engagement aspect of my field school experience because I enjoy talking to people and forging relationships in the most unlikely of scenarios.
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the possibilities in the field of archaeology in addition to further understanding the role materiality and community have with one another.
Jewelissa Ciara Padilla Italy: Cortona Survey
Jewelissa is a first-generation college student and senior at Cal State LA studying anthropology and biology. Her academic and research interests include evolutionary anthropology, archaeology, primatology, and genetics. She is currently writing her senior honors thesis on sexual selection and genetic diversity in ring-tailed lemurs. Outside of school, she enjoys baking, podcasts, and video games and is currently learning to crochet.
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
I like archaeology because time travel doesn’t exist yet, and archaeology seems to be about as good as it gets in terms of reconstructing the past and visualizing our prehistoric world. I’m excited to get to the field and be able to do hands on research myself.
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
I’m really excited to travel to Europe, meet new people, and immerse myself in a new culture all while getting to do research and learn new information, skills, and techniques.
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
I hope to gain a stronger sense of independence and confidence, both as a researcher and as a person who has never really traveled abroad before. I also hope to widen my skillset with the new information and techniques I learn during this research project.
Sandra Rivas Belize: Actuncan Excavation
Sandra Rivas was born and raised in the neighborhood of Watts, in southern Los Angeles.Growing up as a first-generation Hispanic woman, Sandra faced various challenges, including financial struggles and concerns about safety in her community. Despite these obstacles, her parents always instilled in her the value of education and hard work. Witnessing the hardships her family endured fueled Sandra’s determination to pursue academic success. Juggling her studies, work, and family responsibilities, Sandra strives to transcend socioeconomic barriers through education. Now, as a university student at CSULA, Sandra is pursuing her passion for archeology as an Anthropology major and History minor. When she’s not studying, you’ll find Sandra exploring the outdoors or dabbling in the arts and crafts.
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
I have always been fascinated by how ancient Mesoamerican societies developed through the influence of the spiritual, natural, and cosmic elements. Their way of life has always sparked a curiosity within me as it is not how we function in today’s world. It’s exciting to witness modern day researchers discover pieces of the past that help us obtain a deeper understanding of who the people of Mesoamerica were.
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
The Belize Actuncan field school, will enable me to dive deeply into Mayan culture beyond what is taught in a classroom setting. I’m excited to immerse myself into an environment where I can learn from mentors, and gain hands-on experience alongside peers who share my same interests. I eagerly await my chance to prove that I will become an important contributor to the field of archaeology and anthropology.
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
As I intend to earn a PhD in Mesomerican archaeology, working alongside professionals will allow me to gain the opportunity to network and pursue mentors outside of my campus community. I also know that the Belize field school will open many other professional and educational opportunities for me.
Sarah Rujiraviriyapinyo Ireland: Monastic Midlands
Sarah Rujiraviriyapinyo was born and raised in Southern California. She is now a undergraduate student at California Polytechnic University in Pomona, graduating with her Bachelors of Science in Anthropology. Upon finishing field school, Sarah hopes to pursue her dream of becoming an archaeologist. Her interests within the field include bioarcheology and health. When she’s not in school, Sarah can be found enjoying her time hiking or making art.
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
I have always found human history to be fascinating. I knew I wanted to be an archaeologist when I heard about the amazing experiences my archaeology professors had in their field.
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
What excites me most about attending field school being emersed in a whole new culture as well as learning the techniques I will need to know as a future archaeologist.
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
From this experience I hope to gain a whole new perspective. I also hope to learn more about community archaeology, as well as how to maintain ethical and sustainable practices through methodology.
Alexandria N. C. Velasco Ireland: Monastic Midlands
Alexandria (Alex) Velasco is a third-year Anthropology and Spanish (or Spanish & Linguistics, who knows?) major and Chicana/o Studies minor, at UCLA. She grew up in Pasadena, California, where she was inspired by her high school history teacher to be an active student of history. Today, she continues her endless pursuit of knowledge via her studies at UCLA and hopes to spark others in their own journeys, in her non-profit work. When she’s not studying, working, or volunteering; you’ll find her doing some kind of art, swimming, or just being silly with her family.
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
When making the decision of what major to choose, I selected Anthropology with the intention of pursuing archaeology as a means of discovering history, rather than simply studying it from books. I decided to attend field school to learn and see if this area of study is right for me, and to have the chance to step outside my comfort zone.
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
The program I am attending is unique in that the efforts will be a part of an archaeological publication that will be shared with the heritage community of the site we will be studying. I am most excited to be able to connect our findings to those who deserve to hear about it most, and connect with a community abroad that I, probably, otherwise wouldn’t have.
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
I hope to learn about community engagement, historical research, and archaeological field research techniques. I am looking forward to having an experience that will give me some understanding of what archaeology is in practice and skills that will help me in its pursuit.
Mark Zamudio Ireland: Monastic Midlands
Mark Zamudio is from Rosemead, California. He is a self-taught musician who began to play the drums when he was eleven and now has over fifteen years of experience. In high school, he was in the marching band playing the snare drum for the drumline. Mark spends his free time playing the drums in his band, hanging out with friends, or working on cars. Mark is an Anthropology student passionate about archaeology, graduating from California State University, Los Angeles.
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
As a kid, I was interested in archaeology and found it fascinating. Once I began to attend Cal State LA, the archaeology courses offered caught my attention. I learned more about field research and knew it was something I wanted to pursue.
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
I am excited about the cultural experience from the field school and learning archaeological field methodologies.
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
I look forward to gaining valuable skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience in the field.
Mirabella Zangrilli China: Yangguanzhai Excavation
Mirabella Zangrilli is originally from San Francisco, California. Outside of school, Mirabella has spent most of her work undertaking the food service industry, as well as devoting herself to on-set film production. Mirabella recently graduated from CSULA with an undergraduate degree of Asian & Asian American Studies. She has long been passionate about exploring different cultures and histories. In her free time, you’ll find Mirabella admiring plants, crafting, and going on walks with friends.
What sparked your interest in archaeology and field research?
This program presents a unique opportunity for me to explore my ancestral roots and immerse myself in the archaeological heritage of China. As a granddaughter of Chinese immigrants, I have always felt a strong connection to my cultural heritage, and participating in this excavation would allow me to deepen that connection while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the field of archeology.
What aspect of your upcoming field school experience excites you the most?
I’m super excited to travel to China for the first time while pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime experience through the ‘Yangguanzhai Excavation’ program. This is a very significant event in my life, and I’m looking forward to making memories!
What do you hope to gain from your field school program?
The interdisciplinary approach and the transferable skills from my previous occupations, will not only enrich my academic pursuits, but also prepare me for a career path that bridges cultural understanding with scientific inquiry.
2022 CSULA Awardees
Hope Apodaca Samaniego
I am an anthropology graduate from CSULA. I was fortunate enough to attend the Croatia: Lobor Bioarchaeology field school. I will never again doubt my capabilities or dismiss opportunities for myself…I am grateful for the ability to obtain a confidence I didn’t know I could have.
Read more about my experience at the Croatia: Lobor field school in Trials and Trowels! (Coming Soon!)
Isabela Arreola
I was born and raised in South Los Angeles, and graduated from CSULA in 2022. Traveling abroad for the first time forced me to step out of my comfort zone, something I don’t normally do. It was difficult not having my family, who are usually my sense of security, but having to depend on myself felt freeing.
Read more about my experience at the Croatia: Lobor field school in Trials and Trowels! (Coming Soon!)
Paola Gracia
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and I had the amazing opportunity to attend the four-week field school in Ferns, Ireland. Prior to receiving the Vera Campbell scholarship, I had never traveled outside California and the states surrounding it. Attending this field school pushed me to put myself out there and do a lot of scary things like traveling alone for the first time to Europe, staying with a family of complete strangers, as well as having roommates I had never met before.
Read more about my experience at the Ireland: Ferns field school in Trials and Trowels! (Coming Soon!)
Adela Elizarrez
I graduated from CSULA in anthropology. I participated in the Proyecto Arqueológico Zuleta (PAZ) field school in Ecuador over the summer, which focused on the Zuleta region, located north of the country’s capital of Quito. Although learning archaeological methods and learning how to apply such methods in the field were my main goals for attending this field school, I was surprised with the immersive experience I encountered while being in Ecuador.
Read more about my experience at the Ecuador: Zuleta field school in Trials and Trowels! (Coming Soon!)
2021 CSULA Awardees
Julia Hernandez
I am a first-generation college student who majored in anthropology with a minor in law and society. I was excited and grateful to receive the Vera Campbell Promise Scholarship to attend the IFR field school in Lobor, Croatia in the summer of 2021. In the spring of 2022, I started an M.A. program in forensic anthropology at California State University, Chico. I hope to have a career as a forensic anthropologist at the Marine Corps Base Quantico, located in Quantico, Virginia. The field of anthropology has always drawn my attention as it made me aware of different approaches to the world and this has positively affected my own personal growth as an individual.
Crystal Villarreal
I am a first-generation college graduate from California State University, Los Angeles, who majored in anthropology with a minor in biology. I joined IFR’s Croatia: Lobor field school in Summer 2021. Attending an IFR program meant I was able to travel and learn about different cultures while gaining skills and knowledge that I could not gain solely through classroom learning. I intend to continue my education in a biological anthropology graduate program. This field experience was an essential part of my education in anthropology!
Nataly Cardenas
As a child, I was always interested in history and the people in civilizations who lived before me. So, when I found out about archeology and the connection that it offers between past and present, I became obsessed. One long-term goal of mine is to receive my doctorate in anthropology, so I can influence and inspire the next generation of archeologists. What drew me to IFR is its strong reputation and its diverse field school programs. The Denmark: Vasagard field school I attended in Summer 2021 gave me the hands-on experience that I wanted before attending graduate school.
Vanessa Karkkainen
I graduated at California State University, Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. After graduation, I plan to pursue my Ph.D. with the goal of becoming a professor within the UC or CSU system. The Vera Campbell Promise Scholarship and IFR field school provided me with the opportunity to be immersed in another culture, to work beside other students and expert archaeologists, and to learn a different approach in excavation and field methods. I also gained a better understanding of the transition from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural society.
Bryan Mendez-Lopez
I am a first generation college graduate from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) who majored in anthropology and minored in biology. My short-term goal after graduating from CSULA is to work in cultural resource management for a year before continuing with an M.A. in bioarchaeology. My long-term goal is to obtain a Ph.D. and to research institutionalized violence against the Zapotec people in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Vera Campbell Promise scholarship allowed me to travel internationally with IFR on their Ireland field program where I was immersed in a different culture and learned from Dr. Denis Shine, Dr. Stephen Mandal, and Dr. Linda Lynch, who all have extensive field experience. Notably, they also work with the local community at archaeological field sites. I am thrilled that I won this award and am grateful for the experience of learning and developing skills that are critical to my development as an anthropologist.