Julia Hsieh

Julia Hsieh received a Ph.D. in Egyptology from Yale University in 2019. She received her M.A. from the University of Auckland (New Zealand) in Ancient History and Anthropology/Archaeology in 2003, with a major in Egyptology. In addition to Egyptology, she has a background in biological sciences, specifically genetics and botany. Her main interests are in the areas of Egyptian language, especially the evolution of grammatical constructions, lexicography, and idiomatic expressions; state versus private religious beliefs as reflected in textual and archaeological evidence; and the application of modern scientific methods to Egyptian archaeology. Her dissertation research focuses on the Letters to the Dead and Middle Kingdom language and funerary religion. She is analyzing these Letters in terms of their grammatical application, lexicography, and how these Letters may augment our understanding of the ancient Egyptian’s view of death and the afterlife. 
Julia’s research also includes working on the repairing of ceramics in ancient Egypt, and the anthropological implications and cultural parallels of this practice; and seal impressions and potmarks on bread moulds from the site of Umm Mawagir in Kharga Oasis. She has fieldwork experience in Egypt, especially regarding the various drawing and drafting tasks necessary on site. Her ceramic and object drawings are in various publications on the sites of Mo’alla and Umm Mawagir. Her paleographic art has also been published.