Research Themes
The primary goal of my research is to expand our understanding of how humans in the past and present manage the challenges associated with social and ecological change. At the foundation of this research is the archaeological and historical record, which provides a rich source of empirical evidence for long-term changes in human behavior. |
My approach emphasizes the use of quantitative methods to evaluate the examine the role of diversity in mitigating environmental risk and building resilience to environmental change. My colleagues and I have implemented a Bayesian stratigraphic framework for estimating rates of technological innovation and extinction using large, aggregated data sets. I have also been active in the application of social network analysis to archaeological data and the use of archaeometric approaches (ICP-MS, luminescence dating, organic residue analysis, petrography) to the analysis of hunter-gatherer pottery.
I have a special interest in exploring the risk-reduction strategies of foraging populations living in northern latitudes. My dissertation research examined the role of social networks in mitigating environmental risk in the sub-Arctic Kuril Islands in Northeast Asia.
Please feel free to explore more detailed descriptions of my research with the links below. |