The American University of Rome (AUR) recently welcomed guest speaker Keelie Rix, an accomplished alumna who returned to share her remarkable journey from an arts-focused undergraduate to a pioneering PhD researcher. In a talk that left a lasting impact on the students present, Keelie’s story highlighted the value of embracing interdisciplinary approaches in both academia and professional life.
Graduating from AUR with a degree in Archaeology and a minor in Fine Arts, Keelie’s path has been anything but linear. Her time at AUR sparked an intellectual curiosity that drove her to expand her academic horizons beyond the arts. After graduation, she pursued an MSc in Archaeological Materials Science through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus program, a joint initiative between universities in Portugal, Greece, and Italy.
Her master’s thesis—a diagnostic study of the mural paintings of Portuguese modernist artist Almada Negreiros—focused on pigment analysis of murals in Lisbon's seaport buildings. Her research not only contributed valuable insights into the materials and techniques used in these historic artworks but also informed their conservation, earning Keelie her first published article.
Now a PhD candidate in Barcelona, Keelie’s research delves even deeper into the intersection of geoarchaeology, ethnoarchaeology, and archaeological materials science. She studies anthropogenic sediments from pastoral sites to understand the cultural and environmental impacts of human activity on ancient landscapes. Her work is at the forefront of understanding how daily life, material usage, and environmental changes shaped historical societies.
During her talk, Keelie emphasized the significance of a multidisciplinary approach, an idea that resonated deeply with AUR students and faculty. Her ability to merge the scientific analysis of materials with broader archaeological and environmental concerns showcases how breaking free from traditional academic boundaries can lead to innovative discoveries and new career opportunities.
Keelie’s message was clear: today’s most pressing challenges—whether in archaeology, science, or any field—require diverse perspectives and collaborative methodologies. Her personal journey, from a focus on fine arts to exploring environmental science, stands as a testament to the transformative potential of interdisciplinary thinking, a hallmark of the education provided at AUR.
By embracing a mindset that crosses disciplines and encourages exploration, Keelie has paved her own unique path in the world of archaeological research. For current students, her success offers a glimpse of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
At AUR, we remain committed to providing a learning environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, fosters academic excellence, and opens doors to innovative research and professional opportunities. Keelie Rix’s success story is just one example of the impact an AUR education can have, serving as an inspiration for the next generation of leaders, researchers, and changemakers.