[4] Peixotto received her Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology Specialization, in 2017 from American University with her dissertation Against the Map: Resistance Landscapes of the Great Dismal Swamp.

[citation needed] In October 2013, Peixotto and five others were chosen to be part of a specialized excavation team for the Rising Star Expedition.

[7] The critical skills and physical attributes sought for the excavation team by lead scientist and University of the Witwatersrand professor Lee Berger were a "master's degree or higher in palaeontology, archeology or an associated field; caving experience; and the ability to fit through an 18-centimeter (about 7-inch) space.

"[8] The six women scientists were crucial in the successful "excavation of arguably one of the most important fossil finds in human history – a new species referred to as Homo naledi.

I could combine all my experiences and interests in science, the outdoors, teaching, and history, to learn more about our collective human past.