When she was 18, Maija Glasier-Lawson was diagnosed with a disease that results in chronic pain and fatigue. Despite this illness, she completed a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, specializing in archaeology, and is currently working toward a master’s degree in anthropology at California State University, Chico.

Maija is engaged in community activities, having spent more than 1,000 hours in volunteer work during the last 18 months. Working with CSU Chico’s Outdoor Classroom, Maija has developed and implemented archaeology modules for local 3rd and 4th graders. She has been an active member of the Anthropology Graduate Student Association and Council of Graduate Students, and facilitated numerous events on the Chico campus. Last year she was the graduate coordinator and fundraising chair for the 26th annual California Indian Conference.

After obtaining her master’s degree, Maija plans to pursue her PhD, so that she can start a public archaeology center in Northern California. She wants to make anthropology more accessible to the public and to teach children about cultural awareness and environmental stewardship through archaeology.