Ms. Christine Thompson
<b>Department: </b>Applied Anthropology Laboratories (AAL)<br><b>Research Area: </b>Various Archaeology and Anthropology grant-funded research projects<br>
Department: Applied Anthropology Laboratories (AAL)
Research Focus: Thompson is PI or co-PI on multiple archaeology and anthropology grant-funded projects awarded to and executed by the Applied Anthropology Laboratories (AAL). Current AAL projects include research at Spring Mill State Park, Harrison Crawford State Forest, Goldsmith Gilbert Cabin, Union Literary Institute, Battle of Peckuwe; interpretation and exhibit creation at St. Clair’s Defeat and the Battle of Fort Recovery; work on NAGPRA (Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act); and a large archaeological records digitization project. Our final products for each of these projects are archaeological technical reports or digital databases submitted to the granting agency.
Potential Student Project(s): Thompson seeks to mentor one or two student scholars during the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters. The student scholars will work on one or more of the following research activities integral to the AAL grant projects listed above.Thompson seeks to mentor one or two student scholars during the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters. The student scholars will work on one or more of the following research activities integral to the AAL grant projects listed above.
- Clean, organize, identify, label, and bag precontact and historic artifacts
- Perform historical background and archaeological research
- Artifact photography
- Entering data into The Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR)
- Possible other research activities related to the AAL grant projects listed above
These research activities will be performed on-site in AAL at an assigned workstation.
Attributes/skills/background sought in undergraduate:
- Excellent research, writing, and editing skills
- Experience with Excel
- Organized and detailed
- Ability to follow verbal and written directions, and documented procedures
- Enthusiasm for learning new skills and working collaboratively
Mentoring Plan:
The student scholar will have a set weekly schedule for their five hours/week assignment. They will check in at the beginning of each shift with Thompson either in-person, with the Crew app, or via email. Thompson and the student will meet weekly face-to-face or remotely for one hour to discuss upcoming research assignments and review completed research. The first weekly meeting will include AAL and project-specific orientation. All other weekly meetings will relate directly to the AACR research activities outlined above.
Each AACR research assignment will be introduced by Thompson with written and verbal instructions, including previous examples and project procedures to be used as guides. Thompson will be available for all questions either in-person, via Webex, through Crew app or email. Each specific assignment will be tracked using an Excel spreadsheet. Thompson will give weekly formal feedback on each research assignment. The student scholar will use that feedback to edit and revise the final research product. Students will be expected to perform meaningful research and produce quality work, while being fully guided and supported by Thompson.
In addition to performing specific research assignments relating to this project, the student scholar will be considered part of the AAL team of five staff and over 30 students. As such, they will be included in AAL social activities such as the AAL Open House, social media Student Spotlight, and any other group AAL activities. Their successful completion as a Student Scholar will position them well for future AAL student employment if they desire.
Contact: 765-285-5328, BB 314H