Alina Kozlovski is a member of the team of graduate student invigilators who help staff the front desk at the Museum of Classical Archaeology.
When she’s not in the Museum, Alina is working on a PhD in Roman archaeology. She answered this Q&A from an archaeological dig in Marzuolo, Italy (“Who knew wattle and daub was so interesting?!”).
How long have you worked here?
About two years.
Tell us something surprising about yourself.
When I was an undergraduate student I was a fire-twirler and could juggle knives. My skills are a bit rusty these days though.
What’s your favourite object or part of the collection?
I quite like Amelung’s Athena. It was created as a composite of other ancient statues so its history is both recent and ancient, making the two periods speak together through an object. Also there’s a snake with a beard.
What’s your secret superpower?
Making wearing a Twilight at the Museums glowstick headband look cool.
If you didn’t work at the Museum of Classical Archaeology, which other UCM would you like to work at and why?
The Fitzwilliam Museum. Not only is the collection of ancient objects really interesting, the ancient Greek and Roman world can also be found in many of the museum’s much more recent paintings and other objects. This is a great example of how ancient ideas and motifs have travelled and have been rethought throughout the centuries. I like looking through the paintings and objects and seeing how many different versions of ancient Rome and its culture people have imagined throughout the centuries.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Having friends who also work in museums. It’s great to be part of a community of people who have similar interests in preserving the past and sharing their knowledge.
Alina tweets about all things museums and archaeology at @alinakozlovski.
