Digging Deeper: Unearthing Archaeology Beyond the BA

Industry panel | Afternoon tea | Archaeology networking

Wondering how your archaeology degree can translate into the world of work? Join us for an informal panel and afternoon tea with UQ archaeology alumni and industry guests who’ve carved out exciting and diverse careers. Whether you're in your first year or planning your next move, this is your chance to hear real stories, ask questions, and start building your network.

When: Tue 13 May | 3:00–5:00pm

Location: UQ Anthropology Museum (Michie Building, 9 Chancellors Pl, St Lucia QLD 4067)

Food: Light afternoon tea will be provided

Who it’s for?
All students studying archaeology—or anyone curious about where archaeology can lead. Whether you're just exploring or already career-focused, you're welcome!

Meet our Panel

Jessica Heidrich, Associate and Team Leader Heritage Places, Extent Heritage

Jessica is a senior heritage consultant and archaeologist with experience across multiple discipline areas, including historical, built, and Aboriginal heritage management, archaeology, and heritage interpretation. She holds multiple degrees from UQ, including a Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology and History), a Bachelor of Arts (Honours First Class) (Archaeology), and a Master of Museum Studies. Jessica has led and contributed to a range of museum-sector projects, including a heritage interpretation strategy for the Sikhs in Far North Queensland community, the design and delivery of the permanent Q ANZAC 100-funded exhibition What War Meant to Miles, and collections research for the Australian Research Council-funded work on the Milingimbi Mission collections. In her role as an Associate at Extent, her skillset include conservation management planning, archival research and recording, significance and impact assessment, condition and maintenance reporting, heritage master planning and design options analysis, stakeholder engagement, and archaeological survey. She regularly works with corporate, government, and non-government entities and her portfolio includes a range of places of local, State, Commonwealth and World significance.

Nicholas Hadnutt, Curator, Archaeology, Queensland Museum

Nick is the Archaeology Curator in the Cultures & Histories Program at Queensland Museum, responsible for researching and sharing the museum's archaeology collections. He completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Archaeology at The University of Queensland (2004-2010), specialising in historical archaeology with a focus on 19th and 20th century material culture. Beginning as an Assistant Collection Manager at Queensland Museum in 2008, Nick progressed through roles including Assistant Curator and Collection Manager before advancing to his current position in 2015. Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous exhibitions including "The Last Days of Burke and Wills" and international touring exhibitions from institutions like the British Museum. Nick's current research includes investigating a central Queensland gold mining town to understand frontier life at the turn of the 20th century and participating in Australian Research Council projects examining Queensland's historical landscapes.

Shoshanna Grounds, QLD Practice Leader, Heritage and Communities, NGH

Shoshanna is an experienced cultural heritage professional specialising in archaeological assessment and heritage management. She completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Archaeology at UQ, establishing the foundation for her diverse career spanning government, energy, and consulting sectors. Starting as a Project Archaeologist at Sinclair Knight Merz, Shoshanna progressed to Senior Archaeologist at Biosis Pty Ltd before taking on the role of Cultural Heritage Officer at Arrow Energy. She further developed her expertise as Senior Researcher at the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, gaining valuable insights into policy and stakeholder engagement. Since joining NGH in 2017, Shoshanna has advanced from Senior Cultural Heritage Consultant to her current position as QLD Practice Leader.

About HASS Networking Events

HASS offers a range of networking events for students to connect with alumni, staff and peers.

Are you a HASS staff member interested in organising events for your students? The Cohort Connections Fund supports you to provide cohort-building activities that enhance HASS coursework students’ sense of community and/or employability capabilities. Find out more here. Contact HASS Student Futures Team for more information.

Are you a HASS Club or Society who wants to be featured on our Instagram @uqhasslife and HASS event page? Submit your event info below to be featured! Please ensure you submit your event detail at least 1 week prior to the event.

Submit your event