Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Megaera Lorenz holds a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago. She specializes in the history, art, and iconography of Egypt’s New Kingdom (ca. 1550-1069 BCE) as well as the Late Egyptian language. She is currently preparing her dissertation, “The Role of Male Royal Offspring in 18th Dynasty Egypt,” for publication. Megaera has participated in fieldwork in Luxor and Deir el-Bersha in Egypt, as well as salvage archaeology at Al-Widay, in the region of the Fourth Cataract in Sudan. She has taught courses on Egyptian art and architecture, history, and language at the University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. She worked for several years as a Content Advisor for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Office of Public Education, where she developed, evaluated, and facilitated numerous educational programs for educators, docents, K-12 students, and the general public. She also contributed to the development of an Oriental Institute special exhibit, “The Life of Meresamun: A Temple Singer in Ancient Egypt.” Megaera has been involved in public education in various capacities since childhood, and she is always seeking opportunities to share her passion for Egypt’s rich cultural heritage with other lifelong learners.