Rachel Mascetta studying Roman roads in the Veneto region of Italy

My experience with archaeology at Colgate was an important factor that helped to shape my course of study both during and after my time in Hamilton. I brought with me from high school an already active interest in archaeology that continued while at Colgate. After completing a course, Introduction to Archaeology (SOAN 103) my first year, I traveled to Rome and Pompeii on an extended study (CLAS 250) that examined the physical remains of Roman civilization. The next semester I spent in Venice with a Colgate study group directed by Joscelyn Godwin, where I took The Archaeology of Italy (CLAS 234Y) and other courses, such as Italian opera and the Italian language. Upon my return I was inspired to continue in the area of archaeology. I applied for a Student Humanities Summer Research Stipend, during the course of which I was able to study under Rebecca Ammerman's guidance, the development of settlement and communication in the Veneto. The culmination of all my experience on this topic, which I continued in my senior thesis, came when I recieved a Fulbright research grant to continue my study of Roman roads in Italy and follow courses in the department of archaeology at the University of Venice. In this way Colgate and archaeology have contributed to my academic career and inspired what will be a life-long relationship with both Italy and archaeology.