Vanessa Ockerman

Vanessa Ockerman is an Archaeologist and Team Lead for Ember Archaeology. She assists Alberta permit holders with their projects by leading and directing survey crews during the field season, and writing reports in the winter. Her comfort in remote environments allows her to confidently complete field assessments across the northern boreal and eastern slopes. This comfort, along with her proficiency, reliability, attention to detail, and passion for the work makes Vanessa a valuable member of the Ember team.

Vanessa received her Bachelor of Arts at Grant MacEwan University in 2022, majoring in anthropology and minoring in history. Her favourite courses to take were zooarchaeology, osteology, historical archaeology, and anything Canadian history. Her love for Alberta archaeology grew when she participated in the 2019 Bodo, AB field school. As a volunteer, she gave public tours and aided in the excavation of a complex bison bone bed. Vanessa plans to continue her education by obtaining a Masters degree, which will allow her to hold archaeological research permits in Alberta.

When she is not out in the forest digging holes, Vanessa enjoys playing various sports, camping, video games, watching TV, travelling, or spending time with friends and family.