Sydney Berenson ’25: Archaeological Institute of America Scholar on TREK in Guatemala

Sydney put her developing archaeology skills and knowledge into practice on Dr. Olivia Navarro-Farr’s archaeology field school TREK this summer, working to excavate the ancient Maya city of El-Perú Waka at Proyecto Arqueólogico Waka’s (PAW) field school in northern Guatemala. She was one of only 10 students to receive the Jane C. Waldbaum Field School Scholarship from the Archaeological Institute of America this summer. Here is the article from AIA.


AIA News – 2024 Waldbaum Scholar Spotlight: Sydney Berenson

June 24, 2024

The AIA sent ten students to the field this summer with $2000 Jane C. Waldbaum Field School Scholarships! This year’s cohort brought a wide variety of archaeological interests and academic backgrounds. Please join us in welcoming Sydney Berenson.

Name: Sydney Berenson (she/her)

School: The College of Wooster

Field School: Proyecto Arqueológico Waka’ (PAW) Field School

Miles Traveled: 1671.01 miles (about 2689.23 km) 

Bio: Sydney Berenson, a junior at The College of Wooster, will participate in Proyecto Arqueólogico Waka’s (PAW) field school this summer, where she will explore the ancient Maya city of El-Perú Waka in northern Guatemala. She is particularly excited about the unique opportunities to work in Parque Nacional Laguna del Tigre under her advisor and learn about Maya iconography and culture from knowledgeable Guatemalan archaeologists. Learn more about the site here!

Are you curious to learn more about this fascinating site? Immerse yourself in the AIA’s Interactive Dig, where you can actively participate and learn alongside Sydney! Interactive Digs are an opportunity to see an excavation unfold in real time.


Since its inception in 2007, the Waldbaum Fund has supported undergraduate juniors, seniors, and first-year graduate students as they venture into the field for the first time. The fund helps make it possible for them to participate in this vital part of their archaeological training by contributing to travel costs, accommodations, and tuition. Your contribution can make a significant difference for these young scholars. Donate today to support the future of archaeology at archaeological.org/donatewaldbaum

By Becky Webb
Becky Webb Pathways Program Coordinator, Peace Corps Prep Coordinator, GEO Admin. Coordinator