About Me

Research

      My research focus as an archaeologist encompasses an extensive array of subjects, ranging from the dynamics of human-environment interactions to the complexities of subsistence strategies, climatic adaptations, the process of animal domestication, pastoralism, and the evolution of hunting techniques. Central to my research is the analysis of how ancient societies adapted and modified their ecological settings, a process influenced by environmental factors and cultural necessities. Employing scientific methodologies such as isotopic analysis and the study of ancient DNA (aDNA), my work is dedicated to dissecting the relationships between historical human communities and their natural environments, with a particular emphasis on strategies for risk mitigation and cooperative survival.

      A significant portion of my research is concentrated on the analysis of changing dietary patterns and food procurement methods across various cultural frameworks, as indicated by faunal remains uncovered at diverse archaeological sites. A primary area of my study focuses on the investigation of excessive hunting practices at Mississippian sites and their ecological repercussions, specifically examining societal responses to the depletion of wildlife resources. Additionally, my research extends to the study of camelid domestication in the Andean region, scrutinizing the progression from hunting practices to pastoralism and its wider implications for societal evolution.

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Highlighted projects:

• The Domestication of Camelids in the Lake Titicaca Basin, Peru: Conducted at the CARI facility in Puno, Peru, this research examines the transition from specialized hunting practices to the early management of camelids during the Archaic Period (9.0-3.5ka) 

• Subsistence Strategies in Mississippian Societies: This research, focusing on the American Bottom and Central Illinois River Valley between the 11th and 14th centuries, investigates the effects of the Medieval Climatic Anomaly on agricultural development and population dynamics, and the resultant influence on hunting strategies.

• Change, Continuity, and Foodways at Mission Santa Clara: This project examines the impact of the Spanish colonial mission system on Indigenous dietary customs in Alta California, uncovering the persistence of Native culinary traditions in the face of colonial influences.

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My research endeavors to offer perspectives on sustainable methodologies and human resilience in ecological contexts. Through an interdisciplinary collaborative approach, I am committed to enhancing our comprehension of the interplay between people, food security, and their environments.