Sarah Parcak

Sarah Parcak is an acclaimed American archaeologist, space archaeologist, and author, widely recognized for pioneering the use of satellite imagery to locate ancient sites around the world. Born in 1979, Parcak earned her Ph.D. from Cambridge University and currently serves as a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her innovative work has led to the discovery of previously unknown Egyptian pyramids, Roman roads, and Viking settlements, earning her the nickname "modern-day Indiana Jones."

Parcak is the founder of GlobalXplorer°, a citizen science platform that enables users to help identify archaeological sites from satellite data, promoting both discovery and cultural preservation. She gained widespread attention after winning the 2016 TED Prize, which she used to expand her mission of democratizing archaeology. Through her book, Archaeology from Space, she explores how new technology reshapes our understanding of the past and helps protect endangered heritage.

Known for her passion and bold thinking, Sarah Parcak has shared many inspiring insights. She once said, “We’re not just discovering the past—we’re preserving humanity’s story.” On innovation, she noted, “Technology is only as powerful as the questions we ask with it.” And on collective responsibility, she remarked, “Archaeology is not about treasure—it’s about connection, memory, and identity.” These quotes reflect her belief in the power of science, history, and shared human heritage to inform and inspire a better future.