Meet Deb,
Deb started in the medical sciences, but switched to biological anthropology after taking an anthropology elective at Western University. After discovering her new interest, Deb earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Physical Anthropology and Forensic Archaeology at the University of Calgary. This degree has allowed Deb to work in interesting projects ranging from paleobotany of Yellowstone to artifact processing from the Fort Calgary archaeological site. She has also participated in field schools involving collaboration with Indigenous tribes, which has been part of life-changing experiences and valuable memories. Although she gained great expertise in field work, Deb realized the strenuous labour of field work might not be sustainable for the long term, so she pivoted to a new opportunity-- becoming part of the Search and Rescue Team in Alberta. Here, she used her training in biological anthropology to identify human remains. Eventually, Deb decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Library Science at the University of Alberta. Here, she was trained as a rare book librarian and archivist, one of her passions. Deb now holds the position of Special Collections Librarian at Western University Libraries. In this position, Deb applies her background in archaeology as she develops research alongside Dr. Andrew Nelson. This research involves the CT scanning of rare books to uncover the intriguing findings hidden in the bindings.
Deb, Special Collections Librarian