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College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Department of Anthropology

Em Shirilla (She/Her)

Profile picture for Em Shirilla (She/Her)

Contact Information

Davenport Hall 309Q
Archaeology

Biography

Em is a PhD candidate in the Department of Anthropology concentrating in Archaeology. Her previous training comes from a wide range of experience in public archaeology and community projects in Michigan.  Now situated in Illinois, Em's research is concerned with the protection and interpretation of North American Indigenous landscape sites facing adverse effects from contemporary human activity. This work is oriented around frameworks of Indigenous archaeology and community-based collaborative methods with the goal of seeking flexible, sustainable, and creative solutions for site management that balance community and stakeholder values. 

Research Interests

North American midwestern archaeology, GIS applications in archaeology, rock art, rockshelters, Indigenous landscape heritage site management and preservation, community-based collaborative methodologies and public engagement

Education

B.S., Northern Michigan University, Anthropology and Sociology (2020)

M.A., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Anthropology (2025)

Grants

2025   Dissertation Travel Grant, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate College

Additional Campus Affiliations

Graduate Anthropology Student Association, Department of Anthropology (Member)

Learning Environments in Anthropology Disciplines, Department of Anthropology (Graduate Mentor) (Graduate Assistant)

Southeastern and Midwestern Archaeology Lab, Department of Anthropology 

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Department of Anthropology

109 Davenport Hall, MC-148

607 S. Mathews Ave.

Urbana, IL 61801

217-333-3616

Email: anthro@illinois.edu

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