Ava Berger

Ava Berger is an MA student in the Department of Art History & Archaeology at Columbia University, specializing in the art and material culture of medieval China, particularly the fifth through ninth centuries. Her research focuses on the cross-cultural transmission of clothing, cosmetics, hairstyling, and jewelry during the Tang dynasty (618–907).

Before joining Columbia, Ava received her BA in the History of Art from the University of Michigan in 2026. Her undergraduate thesis on Tang fashion and sumptuary laws received High Honors and the Henry P. Tappan Award for Excellence in Intercultural Studies. In December 2025, she received travel grants from the University of Michigan to conduct research at the Palace Museum in Beijing and the National Palace Museum in Taipei and Chiayi.

Outside of art history, Ava has over three years of experience working in paleontology, with a background in fossil preparation and museum-based public education. She enjoys making art, and holds a minor from Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design.