Archaeologist

M.A., Archaeological Heritage, University of Washington, 2025
B.S., Anthropology: Archaeological Sciences, University of Washington, 2024

Kara was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and began pursuing a career in Pacific Northwest CRM archaeology as she neared completion of her undergraduate studies. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 2024 and her Master’s degree from the University of Washington in 2025. 

Kara began working for WillametteCRA in 2025 as an intern in fulfillment of one of the degree requirements for the Archaeological Heritage MA program. Her thesis project was constructed of three cultural resource assessments for which she operated as the field lead and primary report author under the supervision of WillametteCRA’s Seattle-based project managers. 

While in school, Kara worked in the Burke Museum Archaeology department as a Collections Manager Student Assistant, where she engaged directly with legacy archaeological collections and archives. Kara also worked for the Duwamish Tribe Cultural Preservation Department intermittently from 2024 to 2026, gaining field experience as a tribal monitor and a thorough understanding of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review and commenting process from the tribal perspective. Kara has also participated in archaeological excavations in Colombia, Indonesia, and China. 

Kara continued working for WillametteCRA as a field technician after completion of her formal internship hours. While employed with WillametteCRA, Kara has participated in pedestrian and shovel probe survey, data recovery, site testing, and construction monitoring in addition to project scoping, field supervision, and report writing. Kara became a permanent WillametteCRA staff member in 2026. 

Kara is a member of the Association for Washington Archaeology. Her research and professional interests include Indigenous and community-based methodologies, archaeobotany, Pacific Northwest traditional land management studies, cultural landscapes, and intangible cultural heritage.