Julia Clark ’06: Mongolia
Hometown: Twin Bridges, Montana
Current location: I split my time between Mongolia, Montana, and Arizona.
Why Mongolia: After Cornell I knew I wanted to be an archaeologist but didn’t know where, so I tried archaeology in lots of places (Bahamas, Panama, China, Kazakhstan, U.S. Southwest, Missouri, Iowa, Wyoming, Utah) until I found something that really fit. From my first trip I loved the adventure, people, and research in Mongolia.
Career: I’m the founding director of NOMAD Science Mongolia, Inc. I lead international interdisciplinary research projects to Mongolia, where we focus on the cultural preservation of threatened (looting, climate change, development, etc.) archaeological sites and archaeological field skills education. We take professionals, students, and interested laypeople to Mongolia, where we partner with a similar Mongolian team to rescue and conserve archaeological artifacts that would otherwise be lost.
Cornell impact: My archaeology professor (Dr. Doershuk) was a pivotal mentor in getting me set up in archaeology. He and Dr. Garvin made sure that I had independent study options when I ran out of regularly offered classes to further my training. I also still use the three- to four-week schedule for the courses I offer in Mongolia. My first international experience was my trip to the Gerace Research Center in the Bahamas with my Cornell anthropology class!
Benefits of living in a different culture: I love getting to travel, sharing my new home with students every year, and making strong connections with local families in the really remote areas where I work. I feel lucky to call Mongolia my second home and am as comfortable there as I am in the U.S. There are days I’m getting to do some amazing archaeology while riding across the Mongolian tundra and taiga on horseback, leading an international team of curious students, really talented scientists, and local guides, and I am filled with joy and pride. I’ve learned to make several Mongolian dishes, enjoy speaking Mongolian, and have been completely convinced of the utility of the Mongolian deel (traditional robes and coats).
What would you tell students: There are going to be a lot of challenges, but it is so worth it. Open your mind and lean into the adventure!
➤ Meet seven more international alumni
