Celeste Martinez won first prize in her session of the 40th annual CSUSB Student Research Competition. Her research presentation was titled, “Resistance in Death: Nubian Women and Burial Practices under Egyptian Imperialism."

Ms. Martinez's description of the project highlighted that it "examines Nubian encounters with Egyptian imperial rule during the New Kingdom, focusing on the sites of Tombos and Amara West. By analyzing funerary practices and burial customs, the project explores how the preservation and expression of identity in burial contexts can be understood as a valid form of resistance within ancient colonial settings."

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Martinez noted, "I’m incredibly honored to have won the research competition and to represent CSUSB at the CSU Student Research Competition in San José. This project would not have been possible without the support of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and the mentorship of Dr. Kate Liszka, whose guidance has been instrumental in developing this research."

Dr. Liszka noted, “We are very proud of Celeste Martinez and her unique research. It is detailed, cross-disciplinary, and will make a difference in understanding and interpreting history. She is bound to go far as a future historian.”

Congratulations to Celeste Martinez, and good luck in San José at the CSU-wide competition!