People: Morag Kersel

Affiliated Researcher, and Cambridge Unviersity Doctoral Candidate

As part of her doctoral research at Cambridge University, Morag Kersel is currently studying the antiquities market and ways it impacts heritage preservation. She also served as a consulting archaeologist on contract with the U.S. Department of State. Morag grew up in Canada where she received a B.A. (Honors) in Classics and Archaeology from Queen’s University at Kingston. In 1994, she received a Master’s degree in Near Eastern Studies and Anthropology from the University of Toronto. Her thesis was an attribute study of Pillar Based Figurines from the Iron II Period. In 2000, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation, where her studies included architectural history, urban planning, design review, preservation law and archaeology. Her thesis, awarded with distinction, entitled We Sell History: Issue in the Illicit Trade of Antiquities continued her interest in archaeology. She has worked extensively as an archaeologist and architectural draftsperson in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Canada and the United States. She has also participated in historic preservation projects, including design review, architectural survey and preservation planning in the U.S., England and West Africa. Morag currently administers the one million dollar Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, established by Congress in 2001 to help less developed countries preserve cultural heritage and to demonstrate U.S. respect for other traditions. Morag is trained in architectural survey, drafting and map-making techniques. She is proficient in Microsoft Excel, Access, Adobe Photoshop, HomeSite 4.5.1, and Citation 7.0.