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 bachelors degree in anthropology, specializing in
archaeology, and is currently working toward a masters 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 Chicos 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 masters 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.