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Nathaniel Saavedra once thought that traveling to Egypt to an archeological site would be something that would happen once he was settled in his career. The opportunity came much quicker than he thought.
Within a month after graduating from Cal State San Bernardino in December, Saavedra found himself walking in the Egyptian desert among archaeological sites near the Nile River city of Aswan, a participant in the Wadi el-Hudi archaeological project. It was an experience that deepened his understanding of ancient civilizations while broadening his cultural and professional horizons.
“As someone who has been studying ancient Egyptian history, I have always dreamed of traveling and experiencing historical sites firsthand,” said Saavedra, a first-generation student born and raised in San Bernardino. “I once assumed I would only have the opportunity to visit Egypt later in life once I had settled into a career. However, this incredible opportunity allowed me to go right after graduation, fulfilling a long-held dream.”
His experience in Egypt was nothing short of transformative. Visiting historical sites brought history to life in a way that textbooks could not, giving Saavedra the opportunity for a learning experience that combined his passion for history with a hands-on archeological approach.
“Walking through archaeological sites such as Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Great Pyramids and Kalabsha Temple was surreal,” he said. “These were places I had only imagined through readings and images. Yet now I could see the intricate carvings up close, stand within towering temples, and experience the sheer scale of monuments built thousands of years ago.”
Beyond sightseeing, Saavedra actively contributed to the Wadi el-Hudi Expedition, where he engaged with cutting-edge technology in historical research. CSUSB’s Wadi el-Hudi Expedition is more than an academic program; it’s a model for how institutions can empower students to take the lead in transformative research. By blending hands-on fieldwork with state-of-the-art technology and global collaboration, the expedition is setting a new standard for archaeological studies.
“I had the privilege of contributing to an active archaeological project,” Saavedra said. “This experience introduced me to the intersection of archaeology and technology, areas I had never explored before. As someone who primarily studies history through literature, I had little exposure to archaeological methods, but working with the team expanded my perspective. I gained insight into how digital tools help document and analyze historical sites, deepening my understanding of how history is preserved and interpreted.”
Saavedra’s immersion extended beyond academia as he embraced the cultural diversity of Egypt, experiencing the ways how others live.
“Beyond the academic and professional aspects, this journey also allowed me to immerse myself in a culture different from my own,” he said. “Wandering through the city of Aswan, I observed daily life and interactions that contrasted sharply with those in America. Simply watching and absorbing the rhythms of the city was an experience in itself, offering me a new understanding of cultural diversity.”
This extraordinary journey was made possible through the support of CSUSB and generous donors, whose contributions to Giving Tuesday helped fund student research opportunities abroad. Saavedra also expressed his gratitude for the guidance Kate Liszka, professor of history and Benson and Pamela Harer Fellow in Egyptology who directs the Wadi el-Hudi Expedition.
“For this incredible opportunity, I am eternally grateful to CSUSB, Dr. Kate Liszka, the exceptional individuals on the Wadi el-Hudi team whom I hope to meet again, and all who generously donated to Giving Tuesday,” he said. “Their support allowed me to contribute to something greater than myself—the ongoing effort to expand our understanding of ancient Egyptian activities in the Eastern Desert.”
Read more about the Wadi el-Hudi Expedition at "Stories from the Pack."