Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Iman is a seasoned field archaeologist and surveyor that specializes in North African landscape archaeology with a special focus on rock art. She holds a Master's degree in Egyptology and Northeast African archaeology. Her doctoral research at the University of California, Los Angeles examines the relationship of geomorphological influence on ancient religious ideologies. For the past decade, she has worked on projects in Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and also has extensive experience in Southeast Asia, with projects in the Philippines and Cambodia. Following her passion for the spectacular rock art landscapes across North Africa, she continues to work at sites ranging from the early neolithic to contemporary periods. Public education and demystifying archaeology is another major passion for Iman, who loves to share her unique insights from the field.