College to Career: Q&A with Alumni Amy Krull

Amy Krull earned both her B.A. (2011) and M.A. (2014) in anthropology from Wayne State University, studying under the guidance of Dr. Tamara Bray. Her journey into archaeology began as a student volunteer at the Grosscup Museum and continued through hands-on fieldwork experiences, including participation in the Corktown Workers Row House Archaeological Field School and multiple field seasons in Ecuador.

Krull's academic exploration at WSU, particularly her deep dive into laws like the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), shaped her passion for archaeological research, preservation and cultural resource management. After nearly a decade with the Commonwealth Heritage Group, she recently transitioned to the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office as the federal projects archaeologist, where she is responsible for overseeing federal historic preservation projects and ensuring compliance with NHPA and other regulations. Learn about her journey from college to career in this insightful Q&A.

What is your current job title and responsibilities?

I currently serve as Federal Projects Archaeologist with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office. In this role, my primary responsibility is to ensure that regulations outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act and other federal laws are adhered to as related to archaeological sites and other cultural resources in Michigan.

How long have you been in this position?

I have worked with the State Historic Preservation Office for nearly two and a half years.

What other anthropology-related positions have you held in the past?

Before joining the State Historic Preservation Office in January 2022, I worked as an archaeologist in private sector environmental consulting within the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, based in North Carolina.

How did your training in anthropology help to shape your career?

The training I received in anthropology has shaped my career, especially with respect to the instruction I received at WSU related to ethnography and qualitative analysis, ethnohistoric research, archaeological field methods and theory, and data management.

What is a typical day at work like for you?

A typical day at work for me involves reviewing various proposed projects throughout the state and assessing the possible impacts that these projects may have on potential archaeological sites, Traditional Cultural Places, and other cultural resources. Tasks related to this work include collaborating with a team on issues related to the National Register of Historic Places; researching archaeological sites and archaeological probability models; analyzing various archaeological field techniques; consulting with Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, tribes, federal and state agencies, municipal governments, archaeological consultants, and other preservation professionals.

How have your experiences in WSU's anthropology program affected your career choices and preparation for the job you have now?

While at WSU, I was introduced to anthropological archaeology and the application of theory to enhance our understanding of material culture. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to participate in university-led archaeological projects in the city of Detroit as well as in South America. Tamara Bray, the WSU faculty member whom I worked with for several seasons in South America, also taught courses relating to theory, public archaeology, and legislation related to cultural resources. The material presented in Dr. Bray’s lectures resonated with me, especially those pertaining to cultural resource protections in federal law. The work I do now at the State Historic Preservation Office is directly connected to that part of my coursework at WSU.

Why would you recommend WSU and our anthropology program to prospective students?

If a prospective student is interested in the social sciences, I would recommend the WSU anthropology program for its four-field approach to the discipline (archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology). This program offers students several different opportunities to become involved with faculty members in community outreach and engagement. For many of us, this synergy of scholarship and hands-on experience was integral for honing our specific areas of expertise in anthropology.

What makes the program or university distinct from other options they might be considering?

Several factors make WSU Anthropology distinct from other programs at other universities. The four-field approach to anthropology sets WSU apart from many other institutions. Collectively, the expertise of the current anthropology faculty at the university is far-reaching. The student body at the university represents many different cultures and communities. Another appealing aspect of the anthropology program is the university’s urban setting in Detroit. The city is a dynamic place, with many changes happening very quickly.