🎓 Education
Dr. Sigl pursued her PhD in Egyptology and Archaeozoology at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU) between 2006 and 2014, earning summa cum laude honors and the faculty’s doctoral award in 2015. Her interdisciplinary research integrated zooarchaeological analysis with historical and archaeological contexts. Prior to her doctorate, she completed a Magister Artium (MA) at LMU, majoring in Egyptology with minors in Coptology and Paleoanatomy (final grade: 1.45). She developed her scientific foundation at Gymnasium München/Moosach, graduating with an Abitur (overall grade: 2.4) in 2000, where she focused on mathematics and science. Her education laid the groundwork for her expertise in bioarchaeology, excavation methodologies, and interdisciplinary research. Through academic training and field experience, she became proficient in analyzing ancient faunal remains and contributing to archaeological interpretations. Dr. Sigl’s education continues to inform her research and teaching, bridging ancient history and modern scientific approaches.
🏗 Experience
Dr. Sigl has extensive experience in archaeology and zooarchaeology. Since 2023, she has been the lead zooarchaeologist at AERA, Cairo, analyzing faunal materials and training Egyptian colleagues. She also lectures at Ain Shams University, creating curricula for zooarchaeological studies. Previously, she coordinated the DFG-funded priority program “Entangled Africa” (2019–2025) at the Commission for Archaeology of Non-European Cultures (KAAK), overseeing interdisciplinary research initiatives. Since 2014, she has directed the “Realities of Life” project on Elephantine Island under the German Archaeological Institute, focusing on ancient Egyptian lifestyles. She has also managed archaeological excavations, public relations, and academic programs at the German Archaeological Institute (2014–2019). Earlier in her career, she worked on excavation projects in Germany, Egypt, and Greece, contributing to fieldwork, bone analysis, and data management. Her diverse experience reflects a deep commitment to research, education, and heritage conservation.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Dr. Sigl’s academic excellence has been recognized through prestigious awards and grants. In 2015, she received the PhD Prize from the Faculty of Cultural Studies at LMU Munich for her outstanding dissertation. She was awarded a PhD scholarship (2010–2012) under the Bayerischen Eliteförderungsgesetz, supporting exceptional doctoral research in Bavaria. In 2016, she secured the Newton-Mosharafa Research Grant as a co-investigator in a project exploring fossil insects and environmental preservation at Egyptian archaeological sites, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. These honors reflect her contributions to the fields of archaeozoology, Egyptology, and interdisciplinary archaeological research. Her work has been instrumental in advancing knowledge about ancient Egyptian environments, human-animal interactions, and cultural developments. Through her research, Dr. Sigl continues to shape the understanding of ancient civilizations and the methodologies used in bioarchaeological studies.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Sigl’s research revolves around archaeozoology, human-animal interactions, and ancient Egyptian economic and environmental systems. She investigates faunal remains from archaeological sites to reconstruct dietary habits, trade, and socio-economic structures. Her work on Elephantine Island explores domestic and wild animal use, reflecting broader ecological and cultural shifts. She also examines fish processing and textile production, linking material culture with everyday life in ancient settlements. Another key focus is sustainable research data management, ensuring archaeological findings are accessible for future studies. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, she integrates scientific analysis with historical narratives, shedding light on the complexities of ancient societies. Her involvement in projects like “Entangled Africa” highlights transregional connections in antiquity. Dr. Sigl’s research contributes to broader discussions on resource management, economic networks, and the evolution of human-animal relationships in the ancient world.
🛠 Skills
Dr. Sigl possesses a diverse skill set spanning archaeology, bioarchaeology, and academic coordination. She is an expert in zooarchaeological analysis, specializing in faunal identification, taphonomy, and dietary reconstructions. She excels in excavation management, having led fieldwork at key sites like Elephantine Island. Her academic contributions include curriculum development and university-level teaching in archaeozoology. She is proficient in scientific data management, ensuring sustainable access to research findings. Additionally, she has expertise in grant writing and project coordination, managing interdisciplinary teams and research funding. Her public engagement skills extend to museum collaborations, heritage conservation initiatives, and archaeological outreach programs. She is also experienced in publication editing, having authored numerous articles and books on Egyptology. Dr. Sigl’s ability to merge scientific methodologies with cultural research makes her a valuable contributor to the fields of archaeology and bioarchaeology.