SHA and ACUA 2020 Candidates Biographic Statements

• TREASURER
• RESEARCH EDITOR
• BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
• ACUA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TREASURER

Sara Mascia

Present Position: Vice President, Historical Perspectives, Inc.

Education:

Ph.D. in Archaeology Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 1995.
M.A. in Archaeology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 1989.
B.A. in Anthropology and History, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 1983.

Professional Service to SHA and other societies:  SHA Employment Coordinator, SHA Nominating Committee Member, SHA Conference Committee Member, SHA Academic and Professional Training Committee Member, SHA Membership Committee Member, SHA Secretary-Treasurer, SHA Treasurer. CNEHA Board Member, CNEHA Executive Vice Chair, CNEHA Treasurer, CNEHA 2006 Conference Co-Chair.

Research Interests:  American material culture, historical cemetery studies, farmstead sites, urban archaeology, accounting and bookkeeping.

Biographical Statement:

I have been a member of the Society for over 35 years and during that time I have served on several committees, among them the Nominating, Conference, Membership, Academic and Professional Training Committee, and the new Heritage at Risk Committee.  Working on these committees has provided me with insight into some of the issues that SHA members face as practitioners of a very complex discipline. 

As a member of the SHA board, I have been able to work with a number of SHA members to help further our discipline and encourage the SHA’s efforts in providing stellar publications and meetings for our membership.  I believe that it is a privilege to serve on the board and the various SHA committees that help promote our field to our colleagues and the public.  I continue to advocate that volunteerism is essential to the health and growth of our discipline and the SHA. 

As a Vice President at Historical Perspectives, Inc. for over 15 years, I have supervised staff and prepared budgets for a variety of complex projects and administered all aspects of project management.  My work in Cultural Resources Management has provided me with the skills to work within the fiscal parameters of a balanced budget.  This proficiency has further provided me with the foundation for my service as the Treasurer for the Society for Historical Archaeology.

 Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?

When I began my role as SHA Treasurer, I focused on streamlining the expenses of our organization in order to build the Society’s reserve funds.  The establishment of an appropriate reserve will help ensure that the SHA remains financially healthy in our extremely challenging economy.  I continue to believe that the growth and maintenance of the SHA depends on the stability of our reserves, which enables the Society to accomplish our long-term goals and support the student membership, the future of the Society.

The most challenging task of the SHA Treasurer is to maintain the stability of our membership and conference fees while working to safeguard all of the unique services that the Society provides.  Our organization has expanded its goals exponentially over the last two decades and we must continue to be able to financially support the resulting programs and objectives of our committees and our members.

My experience with CRM finance, academic grant management, association budget coordination, investment management, and accounting, combined with the recognition of the unique elements that make up our Society, has reinforced my qualifications to efficiently work with SHA board members and our Executive Director on maintaining a working budget and monitoring our  budgets. 

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

I have been fortunate to serve as the Treasurer for the Society for several years.  With the assistance of the entire SHA board, we have established a firm financial foundation enabling us to provide the membership with the funds to support the important work of our committees, the production of our high-quality publications, and our annual conferences.

As Treasurer of the SHA, I have worked with peers and students on pertinent issues encountered by all working archaeologists.  During the last several years, we have seen political discussions and pronouncements that have threatened historic resources and the foundation of the system of protections for archaeological sites in the United States.  One of our clear priorities is that the SHA must remain fiscally sound in order for all of us to continue to be vigilant regarding the ongoing legislative threat to our field, including monitoring our elected officials for potential changes to the protection of historic sites and educating the public about our work.  We are currently living in a turbulent era, and I sincerely believe that the promotion of our discipline, as well as the important projects that our members are working on, provides a bridge for the public to understand the research aims of all historical archaeologists.

Other priorities that are important to the growth of the SHA include facing the problems associated with discrimination and harassment.  The SHA board has been proactive in the condemnation of racial, sexual, religious, and all types of discrimination.   I am also gratified that the board voiced a united front against sexual harassment in our discipline and in the SHA.  

If re-elected to the board, my overall priority as Treasurer is to ensure that the SHA remains a fiscally heathy organization.  As a member of the board, I believe it is our responsibility to encourage both student and professional participation in our organization and to advocate for our discipline.  One of the most important ways of ensuring the health of the organization is to support our student members and continue the spirit of volunteerism, which is vital to ensure the future of our Society.

RESEARCH EDITOR

Kathryn Sampeck

Present Position:  Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Illinois State University

Education:  

B.A. (1989), M.A. (1991), Anthropology, University of Chicago
Ph.D. (2007), Anthropology, Tulane University

Professional Service to SHA and other societies:  Editor, Historical Archaeology (current); Archaeology Seat, Executive Board, American Anthropological Association (2020-2022); Chair, Afro-Latin American Archaeology Interest Group (2018-2020), Society for American Archaeology; Secretary, Archaeology Division, AAA, 2016-2018.

Research Interests:  Colonialism, Mesoamerica, U.S. Southeast, community-based archaeology, Afro-Latin America, landscape archaeology, early modern commerce

Biographical Statement:

 I have done archaeological work in Kenya, Spain, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, and the US Southeast and have primarily focused on processes of colonialism in Spanish America. My field schools and ongoing research conducted in partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, prioritizes significant public outreach and education through events, exhibits, programs for educators, public lectures, and interviews. Historical Archaeology is intrinsically interdisciplinary, involving rigorous scientific methods and approaches such as GIS modeling and compositional analyses, sophisticated evaluation of an amazing range of material culture, as well as highly meticulous work with primary documentary materials, yet I have found that our work is not well enough known to scholars in other fields.  Much of my service to the discipline has been directed towards increasing dialogue of historical archaeologists with other disciplines as well as increasing participation and awareness of historically marginalized peoples.

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?

 If elected to serve on the SHA Board, I will bring to bear my substantial experience working both in the US and abroad in Cultural Resources Management as well as academic Historical Archaeology, as a consultant for Presidential bilateral committee work to inhibit illegal international antiquities commerce, and as an educator of public, undergraduate, graduate, and descendant constituencies.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

 If elected as SHA Board Member, I will work to enhance participation in the Society by fostering networks to encourage international involvement, more training opportunities for future professionals from minority and descendant communities, and stronger ties with allied scholars, institutions, and organizations.

Ben Ford

Present Position:  incoming Co-Publications Editor

Education:  
PhD, Texas A&M University
MA, College of William and Mary
BA University of Cincinnati

Professional Service to SHA and other societies:  SHA Board of Directors (2013-2016); SHA Technical Briefs Editor (2015-2018); SHA Technologies Committee (2009-2016); SHA Gilmore Dissertation Prize Committee (2014-2019); RPA Standards Board (2015-2018)

Research Interests:  Maritime and historical archaeology of eastern United States; maritime cultural landscapes globally; cultural resource management and historic preservation.

Biographical Statement:

 I am the Chair of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Department of Anthropology where we offer undergraduate tracks in Applied Anthropology and Archaeology, as well as a MA degree in Applied Archaeology. Prior to IUP I worked in CRM for several years, intermixed with graduate school. Throughout this time I have been an active member of SHA – I joined in 1999, have attended nearly all annual meetings, and have filled several volunteer roles. My current research focuses on 18th-centruy connections across the Mid-Atlantic region and includes work at two town sites, as well as underwater archaeology work in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected? (max 350 words)

If elected, I would endeavor to represent as many of the SHA constituents of SHA. My research spans terrestrial and underwater archaeology and I have worked in both academic and applied contexts, making me uniquely suited to hear and understand the concerns of many society members. For those members whose experiences do not map to my own, I pledge to use the listening and consensus building skills that I have learned as a department chair to represent them to the best of my ability. As an engaged member of SHA, I have thought deeply about the direction of the Society in terms of diversity, public outreach, fostering new members, and ensuring value for CRM professionals, but I would also endeavor to seek out and learn from members so that the Society best meets their needs and objectives.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

 If elected as the Research Editors representative to the SHA Board, my priorities would center on the role SHA publications within the society. I would draw on the wisdom of the Society’s editors and associate editors to best serve the members through all the Society’s publications and partnerships. I see the publications as one of the main conduits for ideas between the Society leadership and the members. Not just information flowing from the leadership, but the voices of the members amplified through the SHA publications, so that ideas and concerns from throughout the Society can receive full consideration. I would also emphasize the relevance of historical and maritime archaeology to the public. The SHA membership has a significant amount of insight and wisdom regarding the modern world. As a member of the SHA Board, I use the information and privilege of the Board

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kerri S. Barile

Present Position: President, Dovetail Cultural Resource Group

Education: Ph.D., Anthropology and Architectural History, University of Texas at Austin, 2004; M.A., Anthropology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, 1999; M.Cert., Museum Management, University of South Carolina, Columbia, 1999; B.A., Historic Preservation, Mary Washington College, 1994

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SHA: Longtime Member (25 years), Member, Gender and Minorities Affairs Committee; American Cultural Resources Association: Board Member (two terms), Chair, Conference Committee; Council of Virginia Archaeologists: Co-Chair, Awards Committee; Archaeological Society of Delaware: Co-Editor of Bulletin; Fredericksburg Archaeological Task Force: Member; Fredericksburg Architectural Review Board: Chair (two terms) and Member (three terms)

Research Interests: historic building materials and archaeology of the built environment; urban archaeology; sites associated with the African diaspora; cultural resource legislative compliance

Biographical Statement:

Kerri Barile has been an archaeologist for over 27 years. She is dually trained as a historical archaeologist and architectural historian, specializing in the analysis of below-ground remains of the built environment. Dr. Barile has been employed by historic house museums, universities, state agencies, non-profit CRM firms, and for-profit CRM companies. She has worked in over 25 states, from Connecticut to Texas, with a focus on the mid-Atlantic region.

In 2005, Kerri co-founded Dovetail Cultural Resource Group—a woman-owned CRM firm with offices in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Wilmington, Delaware. While she doesn’t get to play in the dirt as often as she would like these days, Dr. Barile currently focuses on Section 106/110 consultation, 4(f) compliance, and public outreach, focusing on the inclusion of archaeological and architectural resources during project planning and making sure that data is disseminated to the public. She also deals with the day-to-day joys of owning a small business, like insurance, HR, budgeting, and taking out the trash.

In addition to her life as a CRM business owner, Dr. Barile has the immense fortune to have a notable connection with the University of Mary Washington. She has been an adjunct professor in the Historic Preservation Department and recently, she established a scholarship to help budding preservationists afford a college degree.

On the home front, Kerri loves to read, cook, and watch baseball. She is mom to two mini schnauzers and a grumpy cat, and she was recently certified as a foster parent through the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services.

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?  

I have been a member of SHA for decades. I would love the opportunity to give back to the organization that has given me so much over the years. As a small business owner, I will bring notable business and budget experience to the table. Every organization has fiscal concerns, and I will work to help achieve SHA’s goals within the group’s set financial parameters. As the long-time chair of the ACRA Conference Committee, I have organized seven conferences across the nation. When I took the position, conferences were running tens of thousands of dollars in the red. Through fiscally responsible decision making, the deficit has been erased and each conference brings in a profit. . . while still giving attendees a great event.

I also will bring a holistic archaeological experience to the table. The breadth of our member’s interests and the worldwide coverage of our projects is an incredible aspect of the organization. This same diversity also provides a notable challenge to leadership. How do you ensure a polyvocal approach to organization tasks? I started as a shovelbum, have worked for every type of archaeological group, and now own a CRM company. From running projects to managing a lab, I have been employed in all aspects of the field, and I have worked across the country. This experience will assure that my approach to SHA tasks and goals will include multiple perspectives.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

I would prioritize inclusion of all facets of historical archaeology as well as the subfields that make our work a success, like ethnobotany, dendrochronology, geoarchaeology, architectural history, ethnography, and more. Our work is much more than digging holes (despite what the public or clients think sometimes!), and we need to assure that our goals and programming are inclusive of all areas of study. This will also widen our membership base and thus, at a pragmatic level, potentially bring in more registration dues.

In addition, this is an age-old issue, but bringing the academy, non-profit groups, agencies, and the CRM community together is imperative. As someone who has been employed in all aspects of archaeology, each group contributes to the success of our field. While our approaches may be different, they are all valuable. Let’s work together to respect each other’s work, promote ethical project approaches, disseminate our data to the public, and help preserve significant sites. Our work is threatened by outside decision makers every day. We should coalesce behind our common desire for sound archaeological science and rich relationships with our communities.

 

Brian Crane

Present Position: Archaeologist Planner Coordinator, Montgomery County Planning Department, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Education: Ph.D., Historical Archaeology, University of Pennsylvania, 1993; M.A., American Civilization, University of Pennsylvania, 1987; B.A., Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, 1986; Certificate in 3D Animation, Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts, 2013

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SHA: Member since 1986, Member, Technologies Committee (2019–present), Liaison to the Public Education and Interpretation Committee from the Technologies Committee (2019–present), Conducted a preconference workshop on photogrammetry, 2020 SHA meeting in Boston; Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference: Recording Secretary (2017–present); District of Columbia Historic Preservation Review Board: Member (2016–2019); Digital Antiquity Professional Advisory Board: Member

Research Interests: 3D recordation and visualization; archaeology and historic ethnography of New Sweden and descendant Swedish communities in the Delaware Valley; historic cemeteries of Montgomery County, MD; archaeology of the African Diaspora

Biographical Statement:

I am currently the archaeologist with Montgomery County Planning Department of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). I completed my Ph.D. in historical archaeology in 1993 at the University of Pennsylvania while working as a research assistant at the Smithsonian Institution. In 1994 I began working in Cultural Resources Management, first for Parsons Corporation, and then for Versar from 2005 to 2018. While working as a principal investigator and senior project manager, I lead a variety of cultural resources projects across the United States. In 2016 I was appointed to the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Review Board where I served until moving to Maryland in 2019. I established my own company, Archae3D LLC in May 2018 to provide 3D recordation and visualization services, and then joined the staff of the Historic Preservation Program in the Montgomery County Planning Department in September 2018.

At M-NCPPC I developed a new program to implement county ordinances requiring the Planning Department to maintain an inventory of all cemeteries in the county, and to review development projects on parcels that include sites in the inventory. I prepared the guidelines implementing the program in 2019. In addition to overseeing the Burial Sites program and review of projects affecting archaeological sites, my work includes serving on the Equity Working Group for the General Plan update, and engaging with issues of concern for LGBTQ communities in historic preservation and planning. I am also active in applying photogrammetry and 3D visualization technologies to archaeological projects. I have used photogrammetry to generate 3D models and georeferenced orthomosaic maps for cemetery sites and archaeological features in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC and Virginia. I have used these skills to develop public presentations, as well as text and graphic content for interpretive displays, brochures and websites.

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?

I would be honored to serve the SHA on the Board of Directors. I have been very fortunate to be exposed to a broad range of issues important in historical archaeology as a discipline over the course of my career, spanning the concerns of federal agencies and state highway authorities to working with the public at the municipal level. I spent nearly 24 years working for private cultural resources management firms on projects throughout the United States working with mostly federal clients on work completed under Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as well as the National Environmental Policy Act. I served three years on the Historic Preservation Review Board for Washington, DC reviewing development projects for compatibility with the District’s preservation law, and now work with county government. In addition to archaeological survey, evaluation, and data recovery, these projects involved cultural resources information management, curation standards, and international cultural heritage protection. My current position involves working with historic cemeteries and burial sites, an area that is growing in public awareness, concern and sensitivity. Pursuing equity in the preservation of vulnerable African American burial sites is of particular concern for my current program.

I look forward to the opportunity to bring the breadth of my experience to the variety of issues that may come before the SHA Board and the SHA in general. My current work may be useful in the Society’s support through its Legislative Affairs Committee for the African American Burial Grounds Network Act. I have worked with, researched, and written about curation challenges at the National level. I am also in a position to facilitate the training and mentoring of SHA members in the adoption of emerging technologies, especially involving 3D recordation and visualization of archaeological sites and objects. In all of these areas I hope that I can be a useful resource for the Society.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

I am interested in exploring ways in which the Technologies Committee can support the needs of the membership, particularly through training and mentoring opportunities for SHA members on emerging technologies. I would also like to engage with conversations around developing best practices for 3D recordation and visualization. This could include expanding the information on the SHA Research Resources webpage by linking to relevant and authoritative guides and tutorials as well as international standards for the visualization of cultural heritage. I would also like to work with the Public Education and Interpretation Committee to facilitate ways these technologies can help the SHA membership convey their findings and stories in new ways to a broader audience.

I have been excited to see the growth in papers given at SHA meetings that have explored the intersections of the archaeological record and sexuality and gender expression. This work has been finding new ways to think about material expressions of non-heteronormative behavior and identifying sites and places of interest and importance to LGBTQ communities. I would love to participate in continued conversations within the Gender and Minority Affairs and Government Affairs Committees to support this work and advocate for the development of historic contexts and preservation of LGBTQ historic sites.

In conjunction with my current work on cemeteries with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, I would like to advocate for research on and preservation of historic burial sites, particularly vulnerable sites associated with African American communities. Burial sites are of deep personal significance to descendants, and rich sources of information about culture for scholars. But it sometimes feels like work on cemeteries has kind of fallen between the cracks between archaeology and architectural history: sometimes addressed by both, but more often forgotten or neglected. However, there are signs of growing public interest in the preservation of these vulnerable sites. I hope the SHA pursues opportunities to support this, particularly through the proposed African American Burial Grounds Network Act and other initiatives at state local levels.

Lori Lee

Present Position: Associate Professor of Anthropology at Flagler College

Education: Ph.D., Anthropology, Syracuse University, 2016; M.A., Anthropology, University of Texas at Arlington, 1997; B.A., Anthropology, University of Texas at Arlington, 1993

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SAA: Ethics Revision Task Force II (2019–present); SHA: Member, Gender and Minority Affairs Committee (2012–present); Council of Virginia Archaeologists: Collections Committee (2010–2014); Randolph College: Diversity Enrichment Committee (2012–2014); Flagler College: Diversity Committee (2014–present)

Research Interests: African Diaspora archaeology; health practices; consumerism; identity; memory; migration

Biographical Statement: 

I have been working as an archaeologist since 1998. My professional experience includes working as a field and lab archaeologist at a nonprofit historical house museum in Virginia, time with the National Park Service in the Virgin Islands, and ten years in an academic setting. In these various capacities, I have worked with diverse stakeholders while engaged in archaeological research, practice, and public outreach. My research approach involves community-based, multidisciplinary projects that incorporate public outreach and community engagement.

While working at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, I was part of an archaeology team continually engaged in research, education, and public outreach. Our research contributed to reconstructing the landscape and built environment, developing museum exhibits and docent tours, and understanding the lives of all social groups who lived at Poplar Forest. We also taught children, college students, and teachers in camps and field schools, worked with avocational archaeologists and volunteers, and engaged with the public through events, museum exhibits, and social media. This experience reinforced for me the significance of public archaeology for education, creating new advocates, and making archaeology relevant to diverse audiences.

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?

I am honored to be nominated as a candidate for the Society’s Board of Directors. My 22 years of professional experience working as an archaeologist for a nonprofit museum, a government agency, and in academia have given me an appreciation of the common and unique challenges faced by archaeologists working in different sectors. My research is interdisciplinary and community-based. This approach requires working with multiple stakeholders. Working as a national park service employee in a contested landscape (a U.S. territory created by imperialism on a former Danish colony where 2/3 of the island became a national park ‘gifted’ by Laurence Rockefeller in 1956) I gained valuable experience working with local community members to advocate for their wants and needs while working for a U.S. government agency. My research and professional experience with building relationships among divergent stakeholders would be helpful as an SHA board member.

As a member of GMAC and a faculty member at an undergraduate institution, I value the importance of the undergraduate institution in diversifying our profession. I have been a member of diversity committees at each institution where I have taught in order to directly engage this issue to affect change. I engage my students in learning about the community they live in and contributing by working with local institutions and community members to document histories, investigate material culture and landscapes, and recognize and address issues of structural inequality. I encourage them to become advocates and engage in outreach. These learning experiences are important for growing SHA membership. As a member of SHA’s Gender and Minority Affairs Committee, I worked with Barbara Heath, then chair of the Membership Committee, on creating the 2014 Membership Survey. I am currently working with GMAC on other initiatives to diversify membership, promote anti-racism, and rectify gender concerns.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

If elected as board member, I would support the current initiatives of the various committees and board. The many challenges presently faced by archaeology include social science funding cuts, legislative changes that could drastically redefine aspects of historic preservation and archaeological practice, and sea level rise. Advocacy and public outreach must be prioritized to combat these challenges. These issues are a clear priority for our discipline to thrive.

The Membership Committee completed a Needs Assessment Survey in 2014. This survey revealed that many members would like additional benefits, but most are not willing or able to pay more for them. I am interested in working with various committees to consider how some of these benefits could be achieved with minimal or no additional cost to members through expanded use of social media and virtual platforms. The 2021 SHA virtual conference will be an important testing ground for determining which elements of SHA can be best-served through virtual means (and which can not) and documenting and assessing the response of the membership to this new, necessitated approach will be an important priority. SHA has always emphasized and valued education and public outreach and many members already use social media to enhance both. SHA needs to unite more of these various initiatives on the SHA website to make them more accessible and easier to locate for students and professionals. SHA has the opportunity to form collaborations to create repositories of recorded lectures, labs, and analysis techniques to assist our profession at a time when faculty need these tools to educate students through virtual platforms and museums need them to engage and educate the public. These are important priorities as we move through this pandemic.

Finally, I would like to help SHA continue to develop practical approaches to creating a more diverse professional community and addressing unique challenges faced by women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ people through continued work with GMAC on their important initiatives.

William A. White, III

Present Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley

Education: Ph.D., Anthropology, University of Arizona, 2017; M.A., Anthropology, University of Idaho, 2005; B.A., Anthropology, Boise State University, 2001

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SHA: Member, Academic and Professional Training Committee (APTC) (2015–present), SHA Blog coordinator (2019–present); Society of Black Archaeologists: Founding Member (2011–present); Archaeological Research Facility (ARF): Affiliate (2017–present); Erma Hayman House Preservation Task Force (2014–present); American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA): Member (2019–present)

Research Interests: African Diaspora archaeology; race and racialization; heritage conservation; community-based participatory research; digital humanities

Biographical Statement:

Throughout my career as an archaeologist, my research has centered on how race and racialization has shaped the course of history in the United States. Prior to working in academia, I spent over a decade in the cultural resource management industry where I specialized in historical artifact analysis with an emphasis on racialization, consumerism, historical marketing, and how products are used to produce individual personas. My current work investigates how the racialization process embeds itself in the meaning and interpretation of landscapes, material culture, and history. My collaboration with the Society for Black Archaeology at the Estate Little Princess on St. Croix, U.S.V.I. is a community-based project designed to provide a space for African American youth to learn more about what life was like on a Danish colonial sugar plantation for the slaves and black contract laborers who once lived there.

Community engagement and professional training is central to the perpetuation of archaeology, and I believe we should use new media and a new ethos of inclusion to reach out to the people who live in the communities where we work. I use digital media, websites, videos, and podcasts, to help publics access my work and to connect with students who want to learn about archaeology. I also make every effort to provide experiential learning opportunities for university students in archaeological field methods and theory. I invest extra effort to introduce archaeology to students from underrepresented groups in hopes of giving them the professional training they need to become archaeologists because it is difficult for many young people to envision being an archaeologist when they’ve never seen one that looks like them or has had the same life experiences as they have. This aspect is essential to my goal of diversifying archaeology.

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?

If elected to the Board of Directors, I will bring my strong background in professional training and cultural resource management to the table. As someone who started in CRM and is now working in academia, I am aware of the concerns both halves of American archaeology are facing. The incentive to stay in business while fulfilling ethical obligations as archaeologists guides CRM; teaching archaeology at a land-grant university is bounded by the mission to provide for an educated populace while helping prepare tomorrow’s archaeologists. To help fulfill these obligations, I have found myself working with indigenous communities, businesses, government agencies, and local preservation groups who see archaeology as a vehicle for rewriting histories, preparing young people for college, and introducing youth to the professional life. I believe community-focused archaeology is the best way we can create historical preservation advocates who support CRM as well as research partners that help make our work more meaningful to those who have to live with the aftermath of our activities.

The Board of Directors will benefit from my commitment to anti-racism advocacy, collaboration, and professional training. I have participated in the SHA’s industry-leading anti-racism efforts and have incorporated them into my practice and teaching. I have also participated in numerous workplace risk management and anti-harassment efforts offered by the American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA), National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), and other organizations out of my desire to make sure every archaeologist can thrive in a safe and inclusive workplace.

My years running CRM and academic projects have given me a respect and familiarity of budgetary constraints, scopes of work, and regulatory contexts that guide so much of our research. The SHA is a non-profit, volunteer organization, so knowing how to work within financial obligations is also part of what I can willfully contribute to the SHA.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

I would be honored to serve the SHA’s Board because being a member of this organization has shaped my professional career and conduct in a positive way. I have attended nearly every SHA conference since 2004, presenting research, organizing luncheons, attending workshops, and being part of committees. This is an organization that is dear to my heart.

I would like to offer the board my dedication to making positive change in archaeology by increasing diversity and community collaboration. My commitment to community engagement and collaboration is something that builds upon so much of what the SHA is already doing. I will also continue doing what I can to provide professional training to underrepresented students and welcoming them to the SHA because I believe that increasing diversity is one of the best ways we can strengthen this organization. Mentorship and training opportunities can be stymied if young archaeologists enter a space that they feel is lonely and off-putting. The SHA can augment its atmosphere of inclusivity through its ongoing anti-racism efforts, which I endorse. I would also like to increase our anti-harassment efforts as they are sorely needed in archaeology.

Archaeology in the 2020s is facing threats on multiple fronts and we need to increase the number of people who are advocates of our research and understand the importance of historical preservation. I believe this can best be done by reaching out to those who can benefit from our work. Helping preserve local heritage where it has been overlooked or suppressed is one of the best ways we can serve others while promoting archaeology as a public good.

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

Justin Dunnavant       

Present Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Vanderbilt University; Assistant Professor of Anthropology, UCLA (starting fall 2021).

Education: Ph.D., University of Florida

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: Society of Black Archaeologists: President/Co-Founder

Research Interests: African and African Diaspora historical archaeology

Biographical Statement:

Dr. Justin Dunnavant is an Academic Pathways Postdoctoral Fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Spatial Analysis Research Laboratory and will be joining the faculty of UCLA’s Anthropology Department as an Assistant Professor in the fall of 2021. He holds a BA in History and Anthropology from Howard University and an MA and Ph.D. from the University of Florida. While his former research interrogated the history and representation of minority groups in southern Ethiopia, his current work in the US Virgin Islands investigates the relationship between ecology and enslavement in the former Danish West Indies. Justin has conducted archaeological research in US Virgin Islands, Belize, Jamaica, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, and The Gambia.

As a regular participant in Diving with A Purpose’s Maritime Archaeology Training Program, Justin is developing his skills in maritime archaeology. Working with DWP, he has assisted with the documentation of the Slobodna and Acorn wrecks as well as the search for the slave ship, Guerrero.

In addition to his archaeological research, Justin is co-founder and President of the Society of Black Archaeologists, an AAUS Scientific SCUBA Diver, and consults for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?

My current role as President and Co-founder of the Society of Black Archaeologists has given me insight into the many facets involved in the nomination and election process for a non-profit professional organization. I have learned the importance of crafting the roles and responsibilities of elected positions that fit within the guidelines of the organization’s by laws as well as the importance of identifying ways to boost member participation to cultivate a community of viable future leaders for the organization.

I hope to use my connections and knowledge across a wide range of areas to ensure that the nominees represent the wide scope of SHA’s membership while also remaining within the bounds of the organization’s mission and vision. My methodological experiences in terrestrial and maritime archaeology as well as geographical scope across the US, Caribbean, Central America, and Africa has put me in conversation with historical archaeologists from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I hope to encourage participation and solicit insight from heritage professionals in fields related to, but not necessarily in, archaeology. My work with heritage professional in NOAA, NPS, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will prove beneficial in identifying and soliciting strong candidates in these spaces. I remain committed to diversifying the field of archaeology by increasing opportunities for members of all underrepresented communities.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

If elected to serve the SHA Nominations and Elections Committee, I would prioritize soliciting nominees that reflect the wide breadth of SHA members’ talents, interests, and backgrounds while also fostering opportunities for members to boost their comfort and competency in the organization. I am a believer that a strong, engaged membership is crucial to ensure a strong future of the organization. This requires ensuring that announcements, opportunities, and roles/responsibilities are disseminating in a timely manner and a manner that is accessible and clearly articulated to all members. It requires consideration of our members who live and operate in different geographic regions, with different access to resources, and who operate with different levels of capacity. In the age of the modern pandemic, maintaining member support, interest and engagement while encouraging participation is important.   

Jade Luiz

Present Position: Curator of Collections, Plimoth Plantation

Education: Ph.D. and M.A., Boston University; B.A., Portland State University

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SHA: Workshop Coordinator, Academic and Professional Training Committee (2019–present); Member, Collections and Curation Committee (2019–present); Member, Conference Committee (2018–2020); Chair, Student Sub-committee, Academic and Professional Training Committee (2017–2019); Student Liaison, Ethics Committee (2013–2016); Developer and Coordinator, Annual Society for Historical Archaeology Ethics Bowl (2014–2016)

Research Interests: 19th-century prostitution; 19th-century urban America; gender and sexuality; archaeology of the senses; public archaeology; 17th-century colonial America

Biographical Statement:

As Curator of Collections for Plimoth Plantation, I am responsible for the ethical stewardship of the museum’s archaeological, 17th-century original material culture, and archival holdings as well as the design and implementation of exhibitions and collections-based programming. An important element of my position is also to collaborate with my Indigenous colleagues at the museum and in the broader community to make sure that the Indigenous collections that we house are both accessible as well as housed and handled respectfully. In addition to exhibition research and design, my colleagues and I are currently undertaking a full inventory of our collections in preparation for making them accessible through our website before the end of the year.

Before joining Plimoth Plantation I completed my graduate degrees at Boston University in Historical Archaeology. During my time there I taught introductory courses through the archaeology department as well as the Boston University Writing Program in addition to my time as a teaching fellow. I was active within the department and served for several years as the education and outreach chair for the Department of Archeology Graduate Student Association and for one year as the president of the association. It was during this time that I first became actively involved in the SHA and saw the benefit of taking part directly in the organization. During graduate school I developed and coordinated the annual SHA ethics bowl for its first three years and served as the chair for the Academic and Professional Training Committee’s (APTC) student sub-committee. Last year I took on coordinating workshops for the annual meeting as a member for the APTC.

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?

If elected to the Nominations and Elections Committee, I will continue my consistent dedication to the success of the Society for Historical archaeology. Through my consistent service to the SHA since 2013, I have developed a strong sense of the rare camaraderie and support that this organization provides to its membership. My experience coordinating projects with student members, new professionals, and senior professionals has demonstrated the importance of clear and regular communication and the importance of varied opinions and perspectives. I aim to foster this in any position that I hold for SHA.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

Because my beginnings in SHA involvement started with the support offered to student members, I would continue to prioritize and emphasize student involvement as well as professional development in general. In addition, the 2020 Annual Meeting highlighted so many exciting new directions that historical archaeology is taking—theoretically, methodologically, and institutionally—and I want to emphasize support for this continued momentum. I also want to encourage the difficult discussions that the institution is having surrounding inclusivity and diversity. I firmly believe that our discipline will only strengthen as these conversations continue and more voices come to the table.

Allyson Ropp

 

Present Position: Maritime Archaeological Research Specialist, East Carolina University (contract)

Education: M.A., Maritime Studies, East Carolina University; B.A., History and Classics, University of North Carolina-Asheville

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SHA: Member, Heritage at Risk Committee; Member, Public Education and Interpretation Committee

Research Interests: public archaeology and community archaeology, particularly of submerged cultural resources; heritage at risk and impacts of climate change on heritage; eighteenth and nineteenth century maritime heritage; maritime cultural landscapes

Biographical Statement: 

Allyson received B.A.s’ in History and Classics from the University of North Carolina-Asheville. While there, she participated in a field school in Italy. Empowered to following her passion for archaeology, and her love for water, she worked to pursue underwater archaeology and attended East Carolina University’s Program in Maritime Studies for her M.A. Following the completion of her M.A., Allyson worked with the Maritime Research Institute at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. She planned and executed maritime archaeological field work, summer camps, and other outreach programs that shared and promoted the preservation of submerged cultural resources. She then moved to the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. There, she worked on projects that focused on the history of St. Augustine and their relation to the cultural landscape and history of the city. Further projects worked directly with the public to promote submerged cultural resources and heritage at risk, including field schools, public workshops (jointly with the Florida Public Archaeology Network), public lecture series, popular magazine articles, social media, and daily programming at the museum. Currently, she is working with the Program in Maritime Studies at East Carolina University as a Maritime Archaeological Research Specialist. She is working on a project that is focused on the submerged cultural heritage off North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected?

I believe that I can bring experience in working with different groups of stakeholders to promote transparency within the field. Through my work in museums and with educational programs, I have the knowledge to ensure that all needs are met. Working with people with different interests and needs requires openness and clarity in providing information. Increasing transparency and clarity of the field for the general public promotes advocacy for the resources and increases visibility for the need of archaeological studies. I further believe that I can aid in contributing to the growth of the field and planning for its future. As a young archaeologist with a wide range of experiences, I bring these experiences to the table as well as new ideas to bring the field forward for the next generation.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

If elected to serve SHA through the Nominations and Election Committee, I would prioritize promoting inclusivity and diversity through a fair and equitable nomination process within the organization. Creating a board that is reflective of the entire organization’s membership will provide an environment that promotes equality and confidence in the organization’s representation. A more inclusive and diverse board will also show the diversity of the field for the public, diversifying the role models and speakers for the field of historical archaeology. This diversification will further assist in the promotion of the field globally and promote the growth of the organization.

Carolyn White

Present Position: Professor of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno

Education: Ph.D., Archaeology, Boston University; Certificate in Museum Studies, Boston University; B.A., Archaeological Studies, Oberlin College

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SHA: Chair, Academic and Professional Training Committee (2016–present), Chair, Student Paper Competition (2013–2019), Associate Editor, Historical Archaeology (2016–present), Member, Academic and Professional Training Committee (2010–2014), Member, Steering Committee Contemporary and Historical Archaeology and Theory (2014–present)

Research Interests: North America, Europe, Japan; material culture; contemporary archaeology; household archaeology; museum studies; cultural heritage studies; landscape archaeology; identity, individual, and group affiliation; method and theory in archaeology; 17th–21st century

Biographical Statement: 

I am Professor of Anthropology at the University of Nevada, Reno where I hold the Mamie Kleberg Chair and direct programs in Museum Studies and Historic Preservation.

My research and teaching focuses on cultural heritage, the materiality of daily life, and the built environment in the recent past and present. I have studied numerous archaeological sites in the mainland US, Hawaii, England, Japan, and Germany and now work within the context of contemporary and active site archaeology. I have written books and articles on topics ranging from the intersection of art and archaeology, the ephemerality of artist studios, the materiality of individual lives, the built environment of Black Rock City, and the archaeology of the present. My newest book, The Archaeology of Burning Man, has just been published by University of New Mexico Press (2020).

Given the qualifications and experience outlined in your biographical statement, what do you believe you can contribute to SHA if elected? 

I have been a member of the Society for Historical Archaeology since my days as a very green graduate student and have enjoyed working with the society for nearly twenty-five years now. I have chaired the Academic and Professional Training Committee since 2016 and have been a member of that committee since 2010. As an academic who has the privilege of advising and teaching undergraduate and graduate students in both theoretically-oriented and practice based courses, I am cognizant of the many needs of students who are moving into the profession. Students’ needs are constantly evolving, as is the world these students entire when they complete their degrees. Increasing student involvement is critical to the health and vitality of the organization and has been a focus of mine over the course of my professional career. As someone who works in many regions and over many time periods, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the expansion of historical archaeology around the world and think that it is vital to continue to raise the profile of the SHA as historical archaeology spreads further through archaeological communities.

If elected to serve SHA, what priorities would you emphasize?

As a member of the SHA Nominations Committee, I would prioritize diversity at all levels. A key role for the nominations committee is to identify individuals that are underrepresented in SHA and encourage wider participation. Further, the blend of professionals from the CRM community, public facing positions in local, state, and federal government, and academic contexts is an essential strength of SHA membership. I would like to see the leadership of SHA reflect the varied makeup of professional roles that make our organization both strong and relevant.

 

ACUA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joseph Grinnan

 Present Position: Principal Investigator and Dive Safety Officer, SEARCH, Inc.

 Education: M.A., Historical Archaeology, University of West Florida, 2013; B.A., Anthropology/minor in Zoology, University of Florida, 2009

 Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: Since attending my first SHA conference in 2010, I have volunteered as a co-lecturer for the ACUA’s Submerged Cultural Heritage Workshop, served as a volunteer judge for the Ethics Bowl, and participated as a panelist on several conference discussion panels. Outside of SHA, I have served on both the statistics and standards committees for the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).

Research Interests: maritime cultural landscapes; underwater remote-sensing technologies; diver safety

Biographical Statement:

Joseph Grinnan, M.A., RPA, has ten years of professional archaeological experience, joining SEARCH in 2013. As a Principal Investigator and Dive Safety Officer at SEARCH, Joe is responsible for overseeing and conducting submerged remote-sensing survey, diver identification, and data recovery projects, as well as maintaining diver safety. He has 12 years of professional diving experience, holds a Master Scuba Diver Training rating through Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and is a Scientific Diving Instructor through American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). Joe’s research specialties include maritime cultural landscapes, sailing vessel technology, diver safety, and maritime archival research. He earned his master’s degree in Historical Archaeology from the University of West Florida in 2013 and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 2009. Joe has worked across the southeastern and northeastern United States and internationally in places such as Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Ghana. His experience includes the discovery and recovery of sixteenth-, seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenth-century vessels and numerous aircraft. Joe is a PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer, SDI Open Water SCUBA Instructor, and holds Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC). He is also a proud Eagle Scout. Joe is certified in SCUBA, CPR/First Aid Instructor, and Oxygen First Aid for SCUBA Diving Injuries Instructor; he is listed on the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA).

Given your qualifications and experience, what do you believe you can contribute to the ACUA/SHA if elected?

As a professional, I have built relationships with a wide variety of groups, including private, non-profit, state, and federal agencies both within the archaeological and broader scientific communities. On a daily basis, I work to ensure personnel safety, while satisfying the various regulations and statutes associated with cultural resources management, all under a strict budget. I believe my experience as a young professional working in the private sector with a focus on safety provides me with a unique and historically underrepresented perspective. Additionally, while a graduate student, I worked as an Assistant at the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN)’s Coordinating Center, where I was introduced to the rigors of public outreach and education. This essential background in public engagement, as well as my more recent CRM experience, will also allow me to assist with ACUA’s efforts to achieve its mission and purpose.

If elected, what priorities would you emphasize taking into consideration the ACUA and SHA missions and goals, ongoing committee activities, and the management and financial challenges of the society?

The ACUA is comprised of top scholars in and practitioners of underwater archaeology from diverse international organizations and agencies. I would have the ACUA combine and condense this knowledge to emphasize advocation of methodological best practices by either endorsing already established guidelines or portions thereof, or by developing their own. For instance, many state and national agencies either do not have established guidelines or have outdated guidelines for conducting a Phase I underwater remote-sensing survey. ACUA’s international influence means that it could and should be the go-to organization for promoting best practices. By being a true “advisory council,” ACUA can be a preeminent reference for researchers when determining how to best locate and investigate a submerged cultural resource. 

ACUA’s Submerged Cultural Heritage Workshop, a critical workshop at each SHA conference, introduces terrestrial archaeologists to the principles and practices of underwater archaeology. This workshop is a fantastic, if underutilized, resource for terrestrial colleagues who find themselves in a management role for underwater and maritime resources. While I plan to keep participating as co-lecturer should the workshop organizers allow me, I will also be a strong advocate for greater participation in this training opportunity. In being one of the few organizations to delve into topics like methodology, legal frameworks, conservation requirements, ethics, and more as they relate specifically to submerged resources, the ACUA has done an excellent job of championing our discipline and setting itself up as a leader in professional training.

 

Bert Ho

Present Position: Chief of Cultural Resources and Museum Management, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Education: M.S., Anthropology, focus on Underwater Archaeology, Florida State University, 2004; B.A., Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2001

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SHA: Member (2001–present); various ACUA SHA conference panels; Register of Professional Archaeologists: Member (2004–present)

Research Interests: marine remote sensing; WWII sunken aircraft; U.S. West Coast maritime history; maritime collections management; artifact conservation

Biographical Statement:

Bert Ho began his underwater archaeology career volunteering with Florida’s Bureau of Archaeological Research while studying for his master’s in anthropology at Florida State University. He was fortunate to work alongside and learn from some great colleagues in the rivers of the Florida panhandle and along the Gulf Coast documenting and excavating shipwrecks and submerged prehistoric sites. Armed with his master’s, Bert was hired by NOAA to serve on a Navigation Response Team conducting hydrographic surveys primarily in the Northeast where he honed his remote sensing skills with shallow water multibeams and side scan sonars. He also responded to disasters that compromised the accuracy of nautical charts, like Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, and Rita; ship groundings; and US Airways Flight 1549’s landing on the Hudson River in 2009. After six years with NOAA and serving as the team leader the last two, Bert joined the National Park Service’s Submerged Resources Center (SRC) in 2010 as an archaeologist, focusing on remote sensing surveys and site mapping. During his time with SRC, Bert led numerous projects throughout the U.S. and internationally searching for and mapping shipwrecks, planes, and other submerged resources. Highlights include documenting shipwrecks at Gulf Islands National Seashore; mapping several wrecks at Biscayne National Park including HMS Fowey; projects in Panama and Colombia with partner Universities and agencies; working with colleagues in South Africa and Mozambique searching for and documenting wrecks involved in the Atlantic Slave Trade; and leading an expedition to survey and locate lost aircraft from the Battle of Midway. In 2018, Bert again built on his career by joining the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District as a regulatory archaeologist. He used his knowledge working underwater to conduct numerous Section 106 consultations on projects regulated by the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. His belief that your career is never defined by a single job in one specialty, but rather a constant opportunity to learn and broaden your knowledge through experiences, led him back to the NPS at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. He now leads a division that manages the largest archival collection in the NPS, a Maritime Research Center, and a small craft collection of over 100 unique boats. He is the park’s lead for NEPA and NHPA compliance and serves on the park’s senior management team as Chief of Cultural Resources and Museum Management.

Given your qualifications and experience, what do you believe you can contribute to the ACUA/SHA if elected?

I believe that throughout my career I have found opportunities to better equip myself with various skills that make me more versatile in the field of archaeology. I trained to be a better diver, a better surveyor, and constantly strived to be more efficient in project logistics. I led projects from remote islands in the north Pacific, and from the metropolis that is New York City, each with their unique operational challenges that tested me repeatedly. Through all these experiences and projects, the single most important underlying skill that was constantly developing had nothing unique to the field of underwater archaeology. It was the ability to connect and relate to people from vastly different backgrounds, points of view, and personalities; and truly listen to understand what is driving their interests.

Often in archeology we focus on the challenges with the fieldwork, the challenges with government policies, or the ever-shrinking operating and research budgets. While those are all necessary challenges to overcome, it is equally, if not more so, important to focus on understanding the motivations of our partners and those with opposing interest to preserving underwater cultural heritage. In my current position at San Francisco Maritime NHP, none of the skills I gained in the field from operating boats to running a magnetometer are as useful as the most human skills of listening to others and respecting their opinions even if I strongly disagree with them. It may seem simplistic to say that I bring “people skills” to the ACUA/SHA, but if we are to include underwater archaeology into as many discussions and decisions related to our collective past and shared future, then we will need board members with these skills communicating our message.

If elected, what priorities would you emphasize taking into consideration the ACUA and SHA missions and goals, ongoing committee activities, and the management and financial challenges of the society?

I have been fortunate to learn from mentors in all my jobs and within the agencies that I have worked for during my career. This largely has been a result of long legacies created within U.S. federal agencies that have decades of experience working in the field of underwater archaeology, slowly expanding their resources over time. That is a privilege that our international colleagues do not always have in working and building underwater archaeology as a discipline in their own countries, and I want to work towards bridging that gap. I will emphasize partnerships that not only can share technology but can share knowledge and experience in both directions to continue to refine how we conduct underwater archaeology worldwide. I have found that I learned just as much from my non-U.S. colleagues, particularly about perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to giving their best for the resources.

Denise Jaffke

Present Position: Cultural Resource Programs Supervisor and Maritime Heritage Program Manager, Cultural Resources Division, California State Parks

Education: M.A., Anthropology/Archaeology, California State University, Chico, 2004; B.A. Anthropology, California State University, Chico, 1998

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: ACUA: Instructor, Maritime Awareness Workshop at 2018 and 2019 Annual Society for California Archaeology; Society for California Archaeology (SCA): Vice President, responsible for organizing and hosting the Northern California Data Sharing meetings in Chico (2018) and Truckee (2019) along with assisting with the larger SCA Annual Conferences.

Research Interests: establishing standards/guidelines for underwater survey in California; conducting thematic study surveys of California’s coastal “doghole” ports and shore whaling industry sites; prehistoric mobility patterns and seasonal resource procurement; terrestrial and submerged photogrammetry; citizen science, outreach and interpretation; and authoring best practices for photogrammetric point cloud comparison

Biographical Statement:

Denise Jaffke has been working in underwater archaeology since obtaining her AAUS Scientific Diver certificate and joining the California State Parks (CSP) Dive Team in 2010. She acts as Dive Team Coordinator and Diving Safety Board Advisor. Jaffke has worked as a professional archaeologist for various federal and state land managing agencies for over 25 years, applying archaeological theory and methods to cultural resource management and compliance procedures in California. The last 15 years, she served as the District Archaeologist and Native American Tribal Liaison for State Parks Sierra District, a district that spans across six counties and includes 25 park units totaling 98,874 acres. Jaffke now works in California State Parks headquarters Cultural Resources Division as supervisor over programs including Museum Collections, Archaeological Research, Tribal Affairs, Historic Properties, including its subprograms in Emergency Preparedness and Response as well as Maritime Heritage. Notable maritime-related projects include the Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage (underwater) Trail, Sonoma Coast Doghole Port Project, and Central Coast Shore Whaling Investigation and Documentation. Jaffke is one of the founding members of SCHUNRS (Sonoma Coast Historical and Undersea Nautical Research Society), a non-profit organization devoted to researching, investigating, and reporting on underwater cultural heritage along California’s coastline. SCHUNRS, in cooperation with University of California Davis, Bodega Marine Lab, designed and implemented California’s first AAUS Scientific Diver certification course focusing on underwater archaeological ethics, methods, and techniques. Jaffke is also a Visiting Scholar at University of Southern California.

Given your qualifications and experience, what do you believe you can contribute to the ACUA/SHA if elected?

Serving as founding member of SCHUNRS, a non-profit organization devoted to documenting maritime resources and promoting public stewardship, I understand the value of developing partnerships to leverage limited resources to help preserve and protect fragile submerged archaeological resources. I have experience hosting annual conferences and working through a wide range of issues related to archaeology with a large network of professionals, having served for three years as executive board member for the SCA, a large professional organization with over 1500 members. Finally, as a professional archaeologist, I have extensive knowledge in addressing issues related to environmental compliance, preservation, documentation, and cultural resource management, built on years of experience working for a variety of federal and state agencies.

If elected, what priorities would you emphasize taking into consideration the ACUA and SHA missions and goals, ongoing committee activities, and the management and financial challenges of the society?

We are experiencing a time of uncertainty with nearly all aspects of our mission threatened by consistent challenges to existing environmental regulations, surge in pseudo-science, and probable future funding cuts. It is essential that ACUA resources be directed to broadening ties and unite with preservation partners to combat persistent threats to submerged archaeological resources and the work we do to document and interpret these fragile assets worldwide. We should work together as an inclusive body of researchers, educators, and managers to learn and teach diverse audiences about the past. As a member of the ACUA Board of Directors, I will work closely with the other members to engage the public, support site protection and conservation, and work to foster mutually beneficial partnerships that will assist us in fulfilling our mission. I bring pragmatic solutions to conceptual problems.

Ashley Lemke

Present Position: Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Texas at Arlington; Chair, Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology

Education: Ph.D., Anthropology, University of Michigan, 2016; M.A., Anthropology, University of Michigan, 2010; B.A., Anthropology and Classical Civilizations, University of Texas, 2008

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SHA: Member, Board of Directors (present), ACUA: Chair, Board of Directors (present), Vice Chair, Board of Directors (2019), Secretary, Board of Directors (2017–2019)

Research Interests: hunter-gatherers; anthropological theory; underwater archaeology

Biographical Statement:

Ashley is an anthropological archaeologist primarily interested in hunter-gatherers, anthropological theory, and underwater archaeology. She has worked extensively on land and underwater in Europe and North America. Her underwater research is primarily focused on 9000-year-old caribou hunting sites in the Great Lakes. She has also worked on submerged prehistoric sites in the Gulf of Mexico and is leading a new project in the Atlantic Ocean. She is an assistant professor at the University of Texas in Arlington where she teaches Introduction to Archaeology and Underwater Archaeology regularly, as well as a terrestrial field school. Dr. Lemke’s field school was awarded the 3rd place Field School Diversity Award by the Gender and Minority Affiars Committee in 2018. Lemke has served on the ACUA since 2017 and is running for her second term. She has served as an officer every year she has been on the board, including 2 years as Secretary, one year as Vice Chair, and she is the current Chair.

Given your qualifications and experience, what do you believe you can contribute to the ACUA/SHA if elected?

Since joining the ACUA in 2017 I have been so impressed by the long history of the organization, its significant accomplishments, and its dedication to protecting, researching, and preserving underwater cultural heritage. I have learned so much from the other ACUA board members and have gained a deeper understanding of the diversity of underwater sites and researchers as well as the potentials and challenges we face with a growing underwater record. I contribute a strong voice to ACUA particularly concerning sites underwater of great antiquity. There is a growing interest in submerged pre-contact sites and it is critical for ACUA to have strong expertise in these matters. My experience in different officier roles has given me a deep understanding of the organization and what is needed for efficient and effective action.

If elected, what priorities would you emphasize taking into consideration the ACUA and SHA missions and goals, ongoing committee activities, and the management and financial challenges of the society?

If elected, my first priority would be the protection of underwater cultural heritage. Increased ocean acidification, pollution, industrial development and military exercises all pose serious threats to submerged sites. ACUA has a strong history of advocating for cultural heritage and I would work to continue those efforts. Another priority I would emphasize is to continue the ACUA missions to promote safe working and learning environments and champion underwater archaeologists from diverse backgrounds. Working closely with GMAC, the ACUA graduate student associates have highlighted issues of women and people of color in underwater archaeology and I would continue to prioritize this important work. Despite the challenges facing us, my prior experience with ACUA makes me confident that I will be able to continue ACUA’s primary missions while facilitating new ideas and avenues for the organization to look into.

Morgan F. Smith

Present Position: Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Education: Ph.D., Texas A&M University, 2019; B.A., University of West Florida, 2013

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: ACUA: Graduate Student Representative, 2018–2019; Archaeological Research Cooperative: Board Member, 2018–present; Tennessee Council of Professional Archaeologists: Secretary, 2019–present; Southeast Archaeological Conference: Co-Organizer, 2022

Research Interests: submerged pre-contact archaeology; geoarchaeology; remote sensing; hunter-gatherer studies

Biographical Statement:

I grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and fell in love with the underwater world at a young age. I attended the University of West Florida for undergraduate studies, where I was introduced to scientific diving through shipwreck archaeology. Between 2010 and 2019, I worked for the National Park Service’s Southeast Archeological Center while pursuing my bachelor’s degree and later my doctorate. I have participated in and directed dozens of underwater archaeology projects, including diver and geophysical surveys, phase two testing, and excavations. My primary research concerns submerged precontact archaeological sites, including enhancing site detection and testing methods to better protect these resources. Since 2018, I have served as project director and co-principal investigator of the Florida Submerged Prehistoric Landscapes Archaeology Survey and Heritage project (F-SPLASH), funded in part by the Florida Division of Historical Resources. The goal of this project is to conduct systematic surveys of Florida’s submerged lands for precontact cultural heritage while engaging stakeholders such as universities, students, law enforcement, marine biologists, non-profits, and the general public. I obtained my PhD from Texas A&M University in Anthropology with an emphasis on the geoarchaeology of submerged Paleoindian sites. I have authored peer-reviewed literature on subjects like remote sensing applications to submerged prehistory, underwater geoarchaeological site excavation, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. I joined the faculty at the UTC in 2019 and reside in Chattanooga with my partner Nessie, dog Tallahassee, and cat Angus. I have their enthusiastic support to seek out a more receptive group with whom to discuss underwater archaeology, particularly now that we are quarantined together.

Given your qualifications and experience, what do you believe you can contribute to the ACUA/SHA if elected?

ACUA is the governing body regarding policy and the instruction of underwater archaeology and exerts international influence. While the board contains many preeminent scholars with expertise in historic resources, relatively few board members, past or present, focus their efforts on the study of submerged pre-contact resources. However, this area of knowledge is growing in interest. Many scholars are pursuing pre-contact sites on submerged lands, and cultural resource management groups are surveying broad underwater landscapes as offshore energy ventures proliferate. As this specialty expands, demand for employment is likewise increasing for submerged pre-contact specialists. Further, increased attention to the topic has piqued the interest of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the general public. However, despite both increased demand and interest, formal education in submerged pre-contact archaeology is uncommon. I feel that my experience in submerged pre-contact archaeology will help to balance interests on the ACUA board and will help to make its membership more representative of the current interests within underwater archaeology as a discipline.

Further, as a recent graduate, I am attuned to the needs and interests of current students. Underwater archaeology faces many long-term problems: illicit looting, impacts of climate change, and more comprehensive identification of underwater cultural heritage during offshore capital development. Education is the only long-term solution to long-term problems, and I can contribute valuable insight into how education in underwater archaeology can be improved to enhance the competitiveness of underwater archaeology students when seeking careers after graduation. Having served previously as a graduate student representative on the ACUA board will also allow me to seamlessly transition into the role of a board member, given that I am already familiar with ACUA policy and procedure.

Finally, while I do not claim expertise on the subjects, I have formal training in both shipwreck archaeology and maritime conservation. My experience with section 106 compliance has made me aware of relevant issues within cultural resource management and historic preservation. Thus, while my focus lies in submerged pre-contact archaeology, I can speak from an informed perspective on many issues regarding underwater cultural heritage.

If elected, what priorities would you emphasize taking into consideration the ACUA and SHA missions and goals, ongoing committee activities, and the management and financial challenges of the society?

If elected, I will first prioritize education and outreach initiatives in underwater archaeology. Public engagement and student education are core principles of both the ACUA and SHA. Making archaeology relevant to societal problems, mentoring students, and grooming talent at all levels are essential facets of the sustainable growth of any discipline. Through long-term investments in education, we will see dividends in increased membership and greater financial stability, while cultivating strong public support and increased student enrollment in archaeology. While at UTC, I have partnered with Upward Bound, a Department of Education initiative, to teach disadvantaged high school students about underwater archaeology. Initiatives like this are critical in stimulating interest in archaeology early and help to recruit high-performing students of diverse backgrounds to our field. Underwater archaeology is also uniquely suited to provide relevant commentary on global issues, such as sea-level rise, human adaptation to climate change, and the growing impact of both natural events and industry development on underwater cultural heritage. My recent graduate career will be an asset in prioritizing education. I remain connected to students in many underwater archaeology programs. These connections will allow me to represent better the interests and needs of the next generation of underwater archaeologists. Likewise, my recent experience on the academic job market as a submerged pre-contact specialist and more generally an archaeologist is beneficial to the ACUA’s mission to provide up-to-date information to SHA members regarding what skills and knowledge are desired of underwater archaeology practitioners. The second thing I would prioritize in my tenure on the ACUA board would be increasing the dialogue regarding submerged pre-contact site identification and protection. A discussion has already begun regarding the need for more training on the identification of submerged pre-contact resources during cultural resource management surveys. As mentioned previously, career opportunities are expanding within underwater archaeology to include submerged pre-contact specialists, and it is important that the ACUA remain on the leading edge of current trends and directions within the discipline. Thank you for reading these slightly self-indulgent paragraphs and know that if elected as an ACUA board member, in addition to the above priorities, I will take my duty seriously to listen to and amplify the voices of all underwater archaeology practitioners.

Caitlin Zant

Present Position: Maritime Archaeologist, Wisconsin Historical Society

Education: M.A., Maritime Studies, East Carolina University; B.A., History and Geography, Carthage College

Professional Service to SHA and Other Societies: SHA: Member (2013–present); Register of Professional Archaeologists: (2015–present); Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association: Vice President (2016–present); Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage: Editor (2019–present)

Research Interests: transport, trade, and maritime landscapes of the Great Lakes region; use of 3D imagery to track change and degradation of submerged sites; management of maritime cultural resources; remote sensing data collection and interpretation; citizen science and public archaeology

Biographical Statement:

I have been a Maritime Archaeologist with the State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society since 2014. I work to protect, preserve, and document Wisconsin’s shipwrecks and submerged cultural sites. Over the last 6 years, I have worked with local, State, and Federal agencies, as well as avocational groups and enthusiasts to conduct archaeological field and research projects to preserve the maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. With a BA in History and Geography, and a MA in Maritime Studies, I have always been interested in an interdisciplinary approach to the field of maritime archaeology and have applied that to my work in the field. With the Wisconsin Historical Society, I have been fortunate to work with an array of stakeholders. I have also focused attention on education and outreach as a method for engaging coastal communities and promoting a preservation ethic in these communities so they can be partners in the protection of our submerged resources. I have also had extensive experience on mitigation projects, museum exhibits, public engagement, and NRHP nominations for submerged sites.

Given your qualifications and experience, what do you believe you can contribute to the ACUA/SHA if elected?

In Wisconsin, we have a long history of working with volunteers and other groups with varying interests. As a shipping hub that is still active with commercial development, we have many competing stakeholder interests. It is something that is never boring, and it’s given me a wide range of skills to communicate with people. Working with a variety of different groups, stakeholders, and individuals with various and sometimes conflicting objectives, I have committed myself to working toward effective communication and understanding to promote collaboration and partnerships. Having clear and open conversations with these stakeholders is the first step toward this goal. In Wisconsin we have been successful in collaborating with individuals and groups with different interests through education and engagement. I have developed relationships with previous treasure hunters. Through education and continued relationship building, some of the now-reformed looters have come to realize the importance of protecting and preserving these sites in situ, and they now work with us to locate and identify new wrecks. Their knowledge and research has helped drive multiple new projects and NRHP nominations. I believe that this commitment and dedication to engagement is an asset that I would be able to direct toward my work within ACUA.

If elected, what priorities would you emphasize taking into consideration the ACUA and SHA missions and goals, ongoing committee activities, and the management and financial challenges of the society?

If elected, my priority would be promoting an interdisciplinary approach to tackle issues facing ACUA and the field of maritime archaeology at large. With new challenges facing our field, such as climate change, effects of invasive species, human and environmental factors, and increasing waterfront development, we must look to innovative solutions. I believe that by looking toward new connections and seeking varied expertise and viewpoints, we will be able to further this organization’s goals of preservation, education, and cooperation.