Oxford or Cambridge? That was the decision facing UHI archaeology graduate Francesca Meneghetti this year after been offered a place at both esteemed universities.
Francesca moved to the county, from Italy, in 2019 to undertake her BA (Hons) in archaeology. In her third year, and working with Dr Ragnhild Ljosland, Francesca brought together her interests in archaeology and ancient languages for her dissertation on early runic epigraphy.
In January, she submitted applications to the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford and was offered a place by both.
Francesca explained: “After plenty of thinking, I ended up picking Cambridge and in October will be undertaking an MPhil in archaeology, with a specialisation in Mesopotamian archaeology.
“My goal for next year is to start developing interdisciplinary research frameworks that combine archaeological and epigraphic data in the investigation of frontier dynamics between Northeastern Mesopotamia and the southern Caucasus in the late millennia BCE.
“Within this, my hope is to focus on the construction of social memory and identity via the borrowing and/or appropriation of epigraphic practice, under the supervision of Dr Steve Renette.”
Speaking of her time with us, Francesca said: “UHI Orkney prepared me both academia-wise and fieldwork-wise. As an example, throughout my time in Orkney, I was able to dig in Scotland, Germany and Italy, working with different teams and meeting wonderful people.
“I have always been greatly supported by members of staff at UHI Orkney, throughout the many stages of my student journey and even later on as an archaeology graduate.”
Francesca was named UHI Orkney Student of the Year in 2022 and presented with the Undergraduate Performance Award and Best Undergraduate Archaeology Student Dissertation Award in 2023.
UHI Archaeology Institute lecturer Dr Ragnhild Ljosland said: “All those who have had the pleasure to teach and supervise Francesca are immensely proud of what she has achieved during her time here at UHI, and wish her the very best!”
Institute director, Professor Jane Downes added: “Francesca has made a terrific contribution to the UHI Orkney student community and to the UHI as a whole through her work with the Highlands and Islands Student Association (HISA).
“We are delighted that her undergraduate archaeology degree has prepared her for her chosen graduate study and we all wish her well.”
During her time at the UHI, Francesca was actively involved with HISA.
Sara Fox, the association’s Orkney and Shetland development officer, said Francesca not only made significant contributions to student life but the community of Orkney as a whole.
“I first had the pleasure of working with Francesca when, as a first-year student in 2019, she stood for election as Orkney Depute President. Francesca epitomised everything a student could want from their elected representative and held the role for two years after successfully seeking re-election in 2020.
“An activist at heart, with a strong sense of social justice, she ensured UHI Orkney students had a full calendar of activities and events – a feat in itself during the Covid years – and worked tirelessly in areas of equality, diversity and inclusion. She made lasting connections with local community groups involved with fighting Gender Based Violence and supported the work of local charities by inviting them on to campus and assisting students to fundraise for these worthy causes.
“Francesca threw herself wholeheartedly into student life, quickly becoming an integral part UHI Orkney where she undoubtedly made significant contributions to the community of Orkney as a whole through her work with the Orkney Student Housing Consultation and more.”
When Francesca’s term of office ended she joined the HISA staff, first as an intern before becoming a fully fledged staff member based at UHI Orkney.
Sara added: “Francesca is quick to volunteer and help where she can and has lent her talents to HISA teams in Argyll and Shetland. She quickly solidified her position as an integral part of the HISA team, adding our internal HISA Team Award for One You Can Rely On to her growing list of accolades.
“It has been a privilege to watch Francesca flourish and grow from an enthusiastic officer into the accomplished and capable young woman she is today. The level of commitment and passion that she approaches everything in her sphere, from her studies to her professional life, is both admirable and inspirational. We will miss her sense of humour, compassion and her relentless drive and determination to do the best possible job for students.
“It has been very clear to me from the first day we met that she has a very bright future ahead of her, and I know that everyone who has worked with Francesca over the years will join me in wishing her all the happiness and success for her future endeavours at Cambridge, and beyond. Grazie e buona fortuna, Francesca.”
If you are interested in studying at the UHI Archaeology Institute, details of our courses are available here.
