Expert: Ralph Salier - 8/12/2008

Question
I have a genius 10 year old. She'll graduate from high school by 13. She is
highly interested in Archaeology and Paleontology with some astronomy
thrown in.
I am suggesting to her a science Bachelor then specialize in Masters and
Doctorate.  She'll PSAT this year and SAT as well.  She is in the new online
high school this year through the public school system.  She has visited
college professors a times. She was highly interested in Seismology for a
time.  
We live in Summerville SC outside Charleston.  I'd move for her as I am a
certified Elementary teacher.

She tested Post high school at age 4. Any suggestions would be helpful.
We spent last spring break roaming the Smithsonian(she thought it was better
then Disney).  

Answer
Hi Tatia,

This is a tough one.  At the ripe old age of 13 even in college, she will not be permitted on most archaeological or paleontological sites due to insurance issues.  The youngest is generally 15 or 16 and even  then with parental permission.  I would recommend that she get a BA in biological or paleobiology( Botany and/or Faunal researcy) and Geology along with limnology or modern epoch geological changes.  This will put her into very good stead for an MA in archaeology or paleontology by which time she could be in the field.  The single most difficult problem she will face is social which of course you already know.  Anthropologists tend to be much more tolerant of younger people in the field as are the sciences.  

I hope that this helps.  Please let me know if there is anything more that I can do.  I would love to help you encourage your daughter in her pursuit.

Ralph
rsalier@hotmail.com