Download Research Apprenticeship Opportunities

Spring 2017
Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Positions
-AREAS/CONCENTRATIONS FOR RESEARCHPhysical Anthropology
Archeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math for Life & Social Sciences
Bioarcheology
Museums
Other
Multiple Areas/Concentrations
Students should be certain to check the Multiple Areas/Concentrations section as many opportunities are
combined with one or more other concentrations or disciplines.
PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Article Digital Archive Project
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Other
Project description:
Digitize printed journal articles to an online database system via scan and citation processes.
Student’s duties:
Organize printed physical anthropology articles by subject type, scan and categorize articles to an
online database system, and reduce the number of printed article copies to 3 or less.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
Familiar with Physical Anthropology subjects, must be detail-oriented, highly organized, trainable on the
online digital database Bookends, and works well in a team atmosphere (collaborative, receptive to
team suggestions, can communicate ongoing project objectives).
Recommended qualifications:
Accustomed to or trainable on Mac OSX lion operating system, good spelling and grammar skills.
Project/internship location:
Institute of Human Origins, Social Sciences Building room 103
Hours per week or days and times needed:
6 hours per week. A permanent schedule will be created and adhered to throughout the semester once
student and project needs are addressed.
Project supervisor:
Dr. Bill Kimbel, IHO Director
Back up supervisors: Lindsay Mullen, Program Manager
Julie Russ, Assistant Director
Faculty supervisor or PI (if applicable—graduate students must list a faculty PI):
Dr. Bill Kimbel
Contact information regarding the position:
Lindsay Mullen; Email: [email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Form and function of the primate neck and its implications for human
bipedal evolution
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
Walking on two legs distinguishes humans from all other living primates. How the head and neck
adapted to this unique mode of locomotion remains understudied. The goals of this research are to
quantify cervical vertebral form and neck function in living primate in order to better understand the
evolution of the neck within the hominin lineage.
In this study, neck function will be measured through kinematic and range of motion studies in
living primates. Vertebral shape will be measured using three-dimensional surface scans of skeletal and
fossil vertebrae. These functional data will be statistically compared to vertebral form. The function of
the neck in fossil species will then be interpreted in light of these results.
Student’s duties:
The student will be responsible for taking angular and linear measurements from previously
scanned primate vertebrae using the 3D modelling programs Amira and MeshLab. If time allows, the
student will also assist in digitizing videos of primate locomotion using MatLab.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
Completion of human osteology and/or fossil hominids courses is strongly recommended but
not required.
Project/internship location:
SHESC and/or Social Science buildings
Hours per week or days and times needed:
5-10hrs per week, schedule is flexible
Project supervisor:
Neysa Grider-Potter
Supervising faculty:
William Kimbel
Contact information:
[email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Development of Children’s Altruistic Preferences
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
The primary goals of the document the development of children’s preferences for outcomes that
benefit others (prosocial preferences), and to evaluate how moral and normative information
influences children’s decisions at different ages (3 – 12 years of age). We use simple
experimental protocols (“games”) which allow children to make decisions about how resources
will be allocated to themselves and other anonymous participants to elicit information about
preferences.
Student’s duties:
Assist in running experiments with children.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
None
Project/internship location:
Off campus: ASU K-12 charter schools (downtown Phoenix and Mesa) and Phoenix Science Museum
(downtown Phoenix).
Hours per week or days and times needed:
TBA
Project supervisor:
Bailey House (postdoctoral fellow)
Supervising faculty:
Joan Silk
Contact information:
Bailey House ([email protected])
Joan Silk ([email protected])
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: WILD CHIMPANZEE BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
This project provides the rare opportunity for students to become involved with research on the
behavioral ecology of the wild chimpanzees of Gombe National Park, Tanzania, made famous by Jane
Goodall. More than 50 years of long-term data from this site are now available for research projects of
many types, under the supervision of Professor Ian Gilby. Much of the data require extraction from
(scanned) paper checksheets and narrative descriptions of chimpanzee behavior. Once extracted, there
will be ample opportunity for research projects on many topics, including personality, aggression,
cooperation, mating, ranging and hunting.
Student’s duties:
Depending on the student’s interests, the research topic will be somewhat flexible. Duties will involve
extraction of data from digital scans of historic data sheets (collected by Jane Goodall and other
researchers) into spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and Access. These data will be added to an evergrowing database, and will then be available for analysis. The student will learn basic data analysis
techniques in collaboration with Joel Bray, a graduate student, and under the supervision of Professor
Gilby.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
Interest in/knowledge of primate behavior, experience with Microsoft Access preferred, computer
programming skills a plus.
Project/internship location:
School of Human Evolution and Social Change.
Hours per week or days and times needed:
Flexible.
Project supervisor:
Ian Gilby & Joel Bray
Supervising faculty:
Ian Gilby
Contact information:
[email protected]
ARCHEOLOGY
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Connections Research Intern
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
The Connections project researches the relations among prehispanic peoples in the U.S.
Southwest and Mesoamerica, especially Northwest Mexico, focusing on the period 800-1540 CE. How
and why did people move materials such as turquoise, macaws, copper bells as much as 3000 km, and
share practices such as cranial and dental modification? What kinds of social relations explain these
connections, and what role did Northwest Mexican groups play in the creation and maintenance of
those relations? Current Connections Project graduate students on the ASU campus are working on
projects involving cranial-dental modification, procurement and exchange of scarlet macaws, a
comparative examination of Phoenix and Tucson Basin Hohokam societies, and the role of nonlocal
objects in Mimbres social change. Undergraduate students will be paired with graduate students based
on interests and will retrieve and code data for the Connections database that will be used to test
hypotheses about these issues.
Student’s duties:
 Retrieve and code data for the Connections Database.
 Identify, obtain, and consult published and unpublished archaeological field reports.
 Independently code entries and participate in meetings to review and proofread entries with
supervising faculty and co-workers.
 Work closely and maintain communication with co-workers to assure systematic input and quality
control of data.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
 Background in the discipline of archaeology (field work, courses, or other analytical projects)
 Interest in the artifacts, raw materials, and symbols that constituted ancient SW-Mesoamerican
interaction
 Able to independently search for and systematically record information according in a structured
format
 Preference will be given to students who have completed ASB 222, 330, 335 or 337
Hours per week or days and times needed:
Nine hours per week for three course credits is preferred. Schedule is flexible, but must fit with
graduate students working on the project. Internship location: SHESC 110
Supervising faculty: Dr. Ben Nelson, [email protected]
Contact information: Christopher Schwartz, [email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: The Archaeology of Bronze Age Spain
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
This project investigates social relationships using the archaeological remains of peoples who lived
during the Bronze Age in Eastern Spain. All types of materials will be researched including ceramics,
architecture, bone, amber, bronze, etc. The ultimate goal is to build a social network of the Bronze Age
in Spain.
Student’s duties:
Using published materials, the student will research and record data about the material record including
architecture, ceramics, bone, ivory, amber, gold, silver, and bronze. This project allows the student to
decide the area of interest that they wish to investigate and to help design their project for the
semester. Opportunities exist to utilize this research for their own presentations, papers, or projects.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
Interest in Bronze Age or Iron Age Archaeology of Europe or the Near East; interest in how
archaeologists collect and analyze data.
Project/internship location:
ISTB1, Room 407 Tempe campus
Hours per week or days and times needed:
Approximately 1-3 hours per week, but is flexible. Schedule is flexible.
Project supervisor: Wendy Cegielski
Supervising faculty: Dr. Michael Barton
Contact information: [email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Controlling Fire: Exploring the surface texture of silcrete as an indication of
heat-treatment in stone tools.
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
The controlled use of fire is arguably one of the greatest adaptations in human evolution. The systematic
use of fire to manipulate the physical properties of stone, thus improve flaking properties in the
production of stone tools, has been documented as early as 164,000 years ago in South Africa. By 72,000
years ago, the majority of silcrete artefacts exhibit evidence of heat-treatment. However, current
methods used to identify evidence of heat-treatment in archaeological materials may not be sufficient
to discriminate between purposeful heat-treatment, a process involving complex cognition, and passive
burning resulting from non-anthropogenic fire. Through experimental archaeology, the undergraduate
apprentice will be an integral part of assessing whether there is a significant difference in roughness
parameters of heat-treated versus untreated silcrete.
Student’s duties:
Duties include 3D scanning samples of silcrete as well as silicon molds of Middle Stone Age artefacts
from the Pinnacle Point cave complex in South Africa using Keyence VR3200 3D Optical scanner.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
None
Project/internship location:
SHESC 158
Hours per week or days and times needed:
10 hours a week.
Project supervisor:
Jacob Harris
Supervising faculty:
Curtis Marean
Contact information:
[email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Cutmarks and Hominin Diet: Developing a statistical model for identifying
bone surface modification in archaeological samples.
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
In the study of human evolution, one critical area of research by anthropologists involves examining the
shift in hominin diets to include significant amounts of meat. This shift likely fueled the evolution of
larger brains and other adaptations widely considered unique to modern humans. Determination of the
spatiotemporal context of this shift rests on accurate identification of fossil bone surface modifications
(BSM), such as stone tool butchery marks. The criteria used to identify hominin-made traces on bone
surfaces are hotly debated. We are developing an objective statistical approach, a Bayesian model, using
experimentally generated BSM. In order to do this, bone surface modifications generated through
experimental stone-tool butchery, crocodile feeding, and ungulate trampling will be scanned using a 3D
optical scanner, and resulting BSM spatial data will be modeled using Bayesian probability theory. The
undergraduate apprentice will be an integral part of the data preparation in this study, participating in
the coding and 3D scanning of sample materials.
Student’s duties:
Duties include assisting in carrying out BSM experiments and 3D scanning of cut marks on the surface of
animal bone using Keyence VR3200 3D Optical scanner.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
None
Project/internship location:
SHESC 158
Hours per week or days and times needed:
10 hours a week.
Project supervisor:
Jacob Harris
Supervising faculty:
Curtis Marean
Contact information:
[email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Prey Choice in Tanzania: Modeling foraging decisions among Hadza huntergatherers.
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
The Hadza of northern Tanzania are one of the last ethnolinguistic groups to subsist primarily through
hunting and gathering, the economic strategy employed by humans through most of their evolution.
The primary investigator on this project has spent 6 months in Tanzania living with Hadza groups and
collecting data through hunting follows. This research project focuses on identifying patterns in prey
choice and use by Hadza hunters, exploring Hadza hunting implements, practices, and their ecological
and cultural contexts. The undergraduate apprentice will be an integral part of the data preparation in
this study, assisting with the coding of observational data recorded in the field.
Student’s duties:
Duties include transcribing audio files from focal follow observations and data organization.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
None
Project/internship location:
SHESC 158
Hours per week or days and times needed:
10 hours a week.
Project supervisor:
Jacob Harris
Supervising faculty:
Kim Hill
Contact information:
[email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: The ethnobotany of New World Societies.
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
X Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
This project focuses on reconstructing ancient environments and human-plant interactions via the
systematic study of (1) archaeologically collected plant remains and (2) the analysis of comparative
ethnobotanical data.
Student’s duties:
1) Intensive laboratory analysis of ancient plant remains from archaeological sites in Belize,
Guatemala, Mexico.
2) Database of ethnobotany
3) Organization of comparative plant collections
Students will receive hands-on experience with (1) microscopy, (2) plant anatomy and systematics, (3)
data management.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
Preferably introductory biology and archaeology classes
Project/internship location:
SHESC lab of historical ecology.
Hours per week or days and times needed:
Hours negotiable but must be available either Wednesdays or Thursdays.
Project supervisor:
Dr. Chris Morehart
Supervising faculty: Dr. Chris Morehart
Contact information: [email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: “Calixtlahuaca Archaeological Project”
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
XX
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Other
Project description:
The Calixtlahuaca Archaeological Project is a study of Calixtlahuaca, an Aztec-period urban
center in central Mexico. The goals are to analyze households, agricultural terraces, and spatial patterns
to reconstruct the economic, social, and political organization of this ancient city. Fieldwork is complete,
and most of the artifact study (in our Mexican lab) is done. We are now working on the analysis of
archaeological and ethnohistorical data to complete the project and put the site into the context of the
Aztec Empire. We are in the process of preparing our final reports and publications. Information about
the site and project can be found on our blog: http://calixtlahuaca.blogspot.com/.
Student’s duties:
We have a variety of tasks for students; these involve getting our data finalized and ready
for publication in reports. The major tasks are:
1. Graphics: We are assembling artifact drawings for publication using Adobe Illustrator.
2. Desktop publishing: We are using Microsoft-Publisher to assemble our final reports and
publications. This involves setting up pages, and integrating text, graphics, and tables.
3. Database work: We are going to upload project data to an ASU repository (“tDAR”) for
archiving and use by others. This requires database work, data entry, and organization.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
 Classwork or fieldwork experience in archaeology.
 GPA > 3.0
Recommended qualifications:
 For duty #1: Computer graphics, particularly with Adobe Illustrator (or another vector program).
We can train students if necessary.
 For duty #2: Desktop publishing experience. We can train students if necessary
 Good writing, editing skills, or web design.
 Spanish language reading skills are very helpful but not a requirement.
Project/internship location:
 Mesoamerican Archaeology Laboratory, SHESC-104
Hours per week or days and times needed:
 6 to 12 hours per week. Times depend on the schedules of other project members.
Project supervisor: Dr. Michael E. Smith: [email protected]; Contact me for information.
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: The Social Dynamics of Coalescence: Iroquoian Communities C.E. 14001550 in Southern Ontario
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
Between 1400 and 1550 C.E., Iroquoian communities in Ontario grew from an average size of a few
longhouses, to more than 50 longhouses. This dramatic increase in village size came along with
dramatic changes in regional social organization. For my dissertation, I am studying ceramic pots and
pipes to better understand how these large scale regional changes are related to changing social
relations among people who lived together in these communities.
Student’s duties:
Lab work: sorting ceramic sherds, recording basic data, taking photographs, performing other basic
analyses. May also need assistance with recording data in a GIS or transcribing printed data into excel
datasheets.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
Attention to detail, patience. Familiarity with archaeology a plus.
Project/internship location:
Alameda Repository (off campus – free parking!)
Hours per week or days and times needed:
5+ flexible schedule but must be consistent once we agree on a time.
Project supervisor:
Sarah Striker
Supervising faculty:
My supervisors are Kostalena Michelaki and Michelle Hegmon
Contact information:
[email protected]
SOCIOCULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
There are currently no Bioarcheology-only opportunities listed at this time. Be sure to check the
Multiple Areas/Concentration section for opportunities that may be combined with other disciplines.
GLOBAL HEALTH
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: 3Heat – Extreme Temperatures and Health in Phoenix, AZ
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description: 3Heat is a large-scale, NSF-funded, interdisciplinary study of extreme temperature
and health in Phoenix, Arizona. In partnership with two other research sites (University of Michigan
Detroit and the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta), we are investigating the health impacts of
extreme heat across physical environments and social landscapes. We are especially interested in what
makes some people more vulnerable to heat-related death and illness than others, and what impact
extreme heat has on cities and their residents. By combining physical data such as household
temperature measurements and social data such as surveys, we can gain a clearer understanding of how
the Valley’s uniquely hot temperatures shape Phoenicians’ lives. Currently, we are processing and
analyzing ~50 in-depth interviews with study participants to find out what dangers might be posed and
how they might cope by a city-wide, multiday blackout during Phoenix’s most extreme summer
temperatures.
Student’s duties: Undergraduate research assistant will be responsible for assisting with interview
transcription and analysis. We are especially interested in undergraduates who would like to learn
qualitative research methods and have an opportunity to work alongside graduate students and faculty
in the development of qualitative coding analysis, or who are interested in hazards, disasters, and public
health emergency preparedness.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites: Junior or senior level student. Global Health or Cultural
Anthropology preferred but not required. Some experience with interviewing or qualitative data a plus
(even if just an introductory research methods course).
Project/internship location: ASU Tempe Campus, COOR Hall. Working space will be made available for
undergraduate research assistants and RAs would be expected to attend weekly team meetings
during standard business hours.
Hours per week or days and times needed: Approximately 4 – 6 hrs./wk. (Flexible.)
Project supervisor: Liza C. Kurtz
Supervising faculty: Dr. Sharon Harlan & Dr. Dave Hondula
Contact information: [email protected]
APPLIED MATH FOR LIFE & SOCIAL SCIENCES
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: 3HEAT – Understanding Extreme Heat Impacts in Phoenix, AZ – Statistical
Analysis
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
X Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
X Other (Environmental Social Science)
Project description:
Through an NSF Hazards SEES grant researchers at Arizona State University, University of Michigan, and
Georgia Tech have been collecting data on the impacts of extreme heat and concurrent power failure in
Phoenix, Detroit, and Atlanta. The research aims to understand how heat and power-failure hazards
impact communities in these three cities with special attention on differences in behavioral adaptation
and household vulnerability based on geography, building type, and socio demographic and economic
variables. Ultimately the project will provide insight for emergency planers and policy makers on how
urban residents would respond to concurrent metro-wide heat-waves and power-failures, and what the
subsequent health impacts would be.
Student’s duties:
The student will help with analysis of recently collected survey data by compiling descriptive statistics
under the supervision of a graduate student. This student may also be asked to assist with other aspects
of data management including some data processing. If the student is interested there will also be
opportunities to help with qualitative analysis of interview data, including text analysis.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
The student must be familiar with common statistical analysis software like SPSS, SAS, or R, and
understand basic statistical theory (have completed at a minimum an intro college level course in
statistics).
Project/internship location:
This project is taking place at ASU’s Tempe campus in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban
Planning.
Hours per week or days and times needed:
4-6 Hours per week (flexible)
Project supervisor:
Paul Chakalian
Supervising faculty:
Dr. Sharon Harlan and Dr. David Hondula
Contact information: [email protected]
BIOARCHEOLOGY
There are currently no Bioarcheology-only opportunities listed at this time. Be sure to check the
Multiple Areas/Concentration section for opportunities that may be combined with other disciplines.
MUSEUMS
There are currently no Bioarcheology-only opportunities listed at this time. Be sure to check the
Multiple Areas/Concentration section for opportunities that may be combined with other disciplines.
OTHER
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: New Regional Transit Service and Marginalization of Vulnerable Segments of
the Population
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
 Other (sociology, urban planning, public affairs, and housing).
Project description:
The main purpose of the project is to understand how a new regional transit service marginalizes people
from low socioeconomic status by forcing them to move out from upcoming favorable neighborhood to
less desirable communities. The focus is on changing food environment over time. As a preliminary
research, a focus group study was conducted in April, 2016 and the research team is currently planning
to expand the scope of the project with an external funding.
Student’s duties: transcribing one of two voice recordings, one in English and the other in Spanish, from
the focus group study conducted in April, 2016.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
- one intern who can write, speak and understand both Spanish and English.
- one intern who can write, speak and understand in English.
Project/internship location: Dr. Han’s office (West Hall #164).
Hours per week or days and times needed: 10 hours / week for 5 weeks in Session A (total 50 hours to
earn 1 credit)
Project supervisor: Dr. Seung-Yong Han
Supervising faculty: Dr. Seung-Yong Han
Contact information: Dr. Seung-Yong Han ([email protected])
MULTIPLE AREAS/CONCENTRATIONS
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Ritual Violence and the Perception of Social Difference: Human Sacrifice in
the Epiclassic Basin of Mexico
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
This project investigates how victims of ritual violence were selected during a period of socio-political
upheaval. The project examines the skeletal remains associated with a sacrificial deposit at an Epiclassic
shrine site in the marshes of Lake Xaltocan in central Mexico. The Epiclassic (600-900 CE) was a period of
dramatic political and demographic reorganization in the Basin of Mexico, characterized by increased
migration and violence. This research will investigate whether specific aspects of individuals’ social
identities, including their residential histories and biological kinship affiliations, predisposed them to
becoming victims of human sacrifice. The project will use biogeochemical analyses to estimate
paleomobility patterns among sacrificed individuals and biodistance analysis to estimate patterns of
biological relatedness.
Student’s duties:
Undergraduate research apprentices will help prepare soil, plant, and faunal samples, as well as human
bone and tooth samples for biogeochemical analysis.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
Basic osteological knowledge is recommended.
Project/internship location:
Archaeological Chemistry Laboratory, SHESC 303
Hours per week or days and times needed:
A minimum of 6 hours/week, scheduling flexible
Project supervisor:
Sofía Pacheco-Forés
Supervising faculty:
Dr. Kelly Knudson
Contact information:
[email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Improving Access to and Preservation of Archaeological Information:
Building the tDAR Digital Archaeological Repository
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Other
Project description:
The Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR) is an international repository for archaeological information.
The repository includes documents, data sets, images, 3d scans, and other kinds of archaeological data.
The digital objects are described systematically using a set of standard metadata categories. One way
that we are building the repository is by depositing public domain information and also encouraging
colleagues and other organizations to deposit the results of their archaeological investigations. The
repository is overseen by the Center for Digital Antiquity at ASU and involves regular improvements to
the repository software to improve searching the data in tDAR, improving the user interface, as well as
adding content.
Student’s duties:
Students will work with Digital Antiquity staff and digital curators to identify available digital
archaeological data (e.g., reports, images, and data sets) to add to tDAR. Students will be involved
in systematic Internet searches for available and appropriate digital data, describing the data
characteristics, and uploading the data to our repository. Additional research on topics related to
copyright, intellectual property, legal protection of archaeological resources, formal testing of tDAR
upgrades, and effective public outreach using archaeological digital data also are possible.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites: Basic understanding of archaeology is needed. Introductory
courses in the subject should have been taken by candidates.
Recommended qualifications: Completed courses on archaeological topics, in particular the
archaeology of the Americas or other parts of the world, will be helpful for candidates.
Project/internship location: The Center for Digital Antiquity is located on Level Four of the Hayden
Library.
Hours per week or days and times needed: There are no specific times, we are flexible about this. We
would like candidates to be able to work on Digital Antiquity projects at least 5 – 10 hours per week.
Project Supervisor: Francis P. McManamon, Executive Director, Center for Digital Antiquity
Faculty supervisor or PI (if applicable—graduate students must list a faculty PI): Francis P.
McManamon, Executive Director, Center for Digital Antiquity ; Contact information: Kasey Hannan,
Assistant to the Executive Director, Center for Digital Antiquity, [email protected]; 480-965-1369
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: “The ASU Project at Teotihuacan”
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
XX
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
XX
Other – Museums and public outreach
Project description:
Arizona State University runs an archaeological laboratory at Teotihuacan, one of the largest and
most important ancient cities of the New World. Dr. Michael E. Smith is currently the Director of the lab.
During 2016-2017, I am looking for students to help with three kinds of activities: (1) Research on the
housing of Teotihuacan. I am looking for a student to scan slides and photos to document the apartment
compounds at the site. (2) Collections management and data archiving. We are organizing field and lab
notes to be permanently archived, so that prior excavations can be written up. There may be
opportunities for internships at the lab in Mexico. (3) Communications and outreach. We are exploring
ways to better communicate the work of the lab to the public. These include social media, upgrading our
website (https://teo.asu.edu/), and fresh ideas about communication to the public.
Student’s duties, (1) Housing research:
 Scan slides and photos to create a photographic record for the excavated houses at the site.
 Assemble quantitative information on artifacts excavated from apartment compounds
 Make comparisons among houses.
Student’s duties, (2) Collections management & data archiving:
 Help organize paper and digital files from the Teotihuacan Mapping Project
 Coordinate catalogs and information relating to our lab at the site in Mexico
Student’s duties, (3) Communications & outreach:
 Help develop our social media activities on Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms.
 Organize publicity materials for the Teotihuacan website and work with the webmaste
 Assemble and edit news stories and graphics from archaeologists working at Teotihuacacn
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
 Classwork or fieldwork experience in archaeology.
 GPA > 3.0
Recommended qualifications:
 Experience working with archaeological data and projects
 Good writing and editing skills; web design
 Experience with museum outreach or other similar activity
 Experience with computer graphics (e.g., Photoshop, scanning, Illustrator)
 Reading knowledge of Spanish is a plus.
Project/internship location:
 Mesoamerican Archaeology Laboratory, SHESC-104
Hours per week or days and times needed:
 6 to 12 hours per week. Times depend on the schedules of other project members.
Project supervisor: Dr. Michael E. Smith: [email protected]; Contact me for information.
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Lab assistant for Bioarchaeology of Nubia Expedition
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
X Physical Anthropology
X Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
X Global Health
Applied Math
X Bioarchaeology
X Museums
Other
Project description: The Bioarchaeology of Nubia Expedition (BONE) is a long-term archaeological
project in northern Sudan. Human skeletal remains, faunal bone, ceramics, lithics, textiles, and other
types of artifacts have been excavated in field seasons from 2007-2009 and 2014-2016. These materials
are in various stages of processing and analysis in Dr. Baker’s lab. Help is needed to clean, label, and
repackage various types of artifacts and skeletal remains. Student apprentices will become familiar with
post-excavation processing and curation of archaeological collections and data.
Student’s duties: The student will work directly with a graduate research assistant in processing
materials from the excavations. A compressed air system is used for cleaning artifacts and bones,
though traditional methods such as cleaning with a toothbrush may be used for some materials. The
student will also help label bones with catalog numbers, assist with repackaging collections and
organizing boxes on shelving. Additionally, students will be familiarized with the project database and
learn how to track field finds. Some entry of project data may also be performed.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites: Interest in working with archaeological collections and
human skeletal remains. Note that this position may not permit you to work solely with human skeletal
remains. Completion of introductory courses in archaeology and biological anthropology and familiarity
with artifacts and osteology are preferred.
Project/internship location: SHESC 144
Hours per week or days and times needed: Minimum of 9 hours per week required.
Project supervisor: Annie Laurie Norris and Dr. Brenda Baker
Supervising faculty: Dr. Brenda Baker
Contact information: Dr. Brenda Baker, School of Human Evolution & Social Change, Rm. 316. Email:
[email protected]. Phone: 480-965-2087.
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Culture, Health, and Environment Laboratory Intern
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
The Culture, Health, and Environment Laboratory (CHEL) has several ongoing projects each semester
that combine methods and theory from anthropology, public/global health, and sustainability.
Primarily, our work focuses on the Global Ethnohydrology Study (GES), a transdisciplinary, multi-year,
multi-site research project that examines cross-cultural perceptions of water issues in the context of
globalization, urbanization, and climate change. Our work this semester will primarily focus on three
years of the GES:
 2014 - Climate Change, Local Experiences, and Emotional Response
 2015 - Water, Stigma, and Hygiene Norms
 2016 – Environmental Justice around Rivers
CHEL’s internship program operates each semester with approximately 15 undergraduate interns who
work collaboratively with each other and graduate students in data management, analysis, and tool
design. The program is designed to encourage students to return in subsequent semesters to develop
more advanced research skills.
Student’s duties:
As a result of our many projects, students’ duties will vary. Each student will likely participate on more
than one project within the lab. First time interns will begin with data entry and data quality
management of the 2016 GES. Returning interns will be working on qualitative data coding of the 2014
and 2015 GES surveys. Other duties and projects may develop throughout the semester.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
SSH/ASB 100: Introduction to Global Health or ASB 102: Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology
*Please indicate if you are fluent in languages other than English on your application.
** Please indicate if you are a returning intern on your application.
Project/internship location:
SHESC 265
Hours per week or days and times needed:
3 hours per week minimum (preferably in one time block). Exact times will be set around selected
interns.
Project supervisor:
Meg du Bray
Supervising faculty:
Amber Wutich and Alexandra Brewis Slade; Contact information: Meg du Bray, [email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Foreign-born professors and US immigration policy
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description:
Thirty percent of US professors are foreign-born, yet surprisingly little is known about their migration
histories, how they navigate the immigration bureaucracy, and how their migration relates to their
academic work. This study relies on semi-structured interviews and document analysis to develop
understanding of the phenomena.
Student’s duties:
1. To transcribe one or two semi-structured interviews per week (depends on length of
interviews).
2. To conduct literature reviews of the “grey” policy literature related to immigration, particularly
as it relates to highly skilled immigration.
3. As the body of interviews/transcripts builds, assist professor with developing qualitative data
coding frameworks.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
Need to have access to a computer for transcriptions, and access to the internet. Apprentice will need
to obtain human subjects certification if he or she does not already have it.
Project/internship location:
On your own
Hours per week or days and times needed:
Hours, days, and times flexible.
Project supervisor:
Monica Gaughan
Supervising faculty:
Monica Gaughan
Contact information: [email protected]; 480-727-9973
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Internship in the Laboratory for Culture Change and Behavior
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Museums
Other
Project description: Research apprentices will contribute to two ongoing projects at the Laboratory for
Culture Change.
Lay Theories of Healthy Eating. Individuals vary in their personal theories of healthy eating, how they
rationalize such beliefs, and the explanatory mechanisms they employ to understand the connection
between eating and health. In this project, we use in-person interviews to examine people’s mental
models of healthy eating in-depth.
Assessing Household Wealth in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Household wealth is one of the most
important predictors of health and well-being. However, there is little consensus on how to assess
wealth in low and middle-income settings. We will be conducting a systematic literature review of how
wealth is assessed in diverse cultural settings.
Student’s duties: Weekly attendance at one-hour lab meetings. Completion of weekly lab activities and
preparation for lab meetings (2-3 hours + 1 hour lab meeting).
Students will get experience in data collection through interviews and other methods (experiments, pile
sorting, free-listing, surveys), as well as an understanding of how such data gets analyzed and presented
(with optional hands-on experience of using the analysis software). Students will also get experience
conducting systematic literature reviews. Other possible duties: pre-testing interview protocol, short
survey dissemination, literature review.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites: We seek highly motivated students with a strong work ethic
and attention to detail. Experience using Excel preferred.
Project/internship location:
Matthews Center 203N.
Hours per week or days and times needed:
3-4 hours per week. Lab meeting dates to be announced.
Project supervisor: Dr. Daniel Hruschka
Supervising faculty: Dr. Daniel Hruschka
Contact information: Dr. Daniel Hruschka, [email protected]
RESEARCH PROJECT/TITLE: Collections Practicum (Anthropology Collections)
Academic discipline (double click box to check—check all that apply):
Physical Anthropology
Archaeology
Sociocultural Anthropology
Global Health
Applied Math
Bioarchaeology
Other (Museum Studies)
Project description:
This hands-on internship is ideal for students who are interested in the possibility of working in
museums and those who would like to gain experience with material culture collections (ethnographic,
archaeological, physical anthropological, and archival). Interns will learn standard museum collections
practices relating to the research, cataloguing and care of anthropological artifacts by working with the
anthropology collections curated at ASU.
Most of the anthropological collections at ASU are curated by Center for Archaeology & Society
Repository and include material from the subdisciplines of archaeology, physical anthropology, and
sociocultural anthropology. The majority of the collections are archaeological and were acquired in the
course of systematic research at thousands of sites, primarily from Arizona and the Southwest.
Student’s duties:
Student will be working closely with faculty, graduate, and advanced undergraduate supervisors in
assisting with care and curation of Anthropology Collections. Please indicate your areas of interest on
your application (you may choose more than one)
1) If students are interested in working with the archaeological collections, they will gain experience
with a variety of ceramic, lithic, groundstone, and ornaments recovered from archaeological
excavations. These projects have associated archives including field notes, laboratory analyses,
photographs, maps, and reports. The students will help to create permanent records in the catalog
database. To do this they will learn how to catalog, categorize and describe artifacts, label, and
photograph artifacts and objects. Transitioning artifacts to archival packing and preparing
appropriate curation spaces are part of the activities.
2) If students are interested in working with the physical anthropology collections*, they will gain
experience with a variety of materials and will learn about these collections, the archaeological
excavation collections that recovered these, and appropriate care and documentation for the
collections. They will learn identification and documentation procedures while assisting with
preparing and verifying the research catalog records. Transitioning collections into appropriate
archival packing and storage materials will be included in the activities. *osteology course preferred.
3) If students are interested in working with the ethnographic, or archival records, they will gain
experience with professional and research materials related to projects and collections. Students
will learn the basic principles of sorting, inventorying, arranging, describing, preserving and rehousing historical and archival materials.
Required qualifications or pre-requisites:
There are no pre-requisites for this internship. This internship is ideal for students looking for ways to
gain more experience in the field of anthropology through experience with material culture collections.
We are looking for students with the following personal qualities: punctuality, ability to commit to and
keep a regular schedule, attention to detail in record keeping, a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn.
Recommended qualifications:
Strong writing and research skills, experience using Excel spreadsheets and the ability to work in a team
are highly recommended. If you have some skills as a photographer or previous experience in a museum
or a museum-like setting, or data entry, record keeping, be sure to mention that in your application.
Project/internship locations:
SHESC curates Anthropology Collections in three different buildings. A variety of collections are curated
at each location and internship opportunities provide experience with a variety of materials.
> Center for Archaeology & Society Repository (Alameda Building)
734 W. Alameda, Suite 120, Tempe, AZ 85282
Free Parking available, city bus 62 on Hardy Dr. to west, Venus Orbit on Broadway/Roosevelt
intersection.
Students should allow time in their schedules to get back and forth between CASR and campus for
classes.
> Matthews Center Anthropology Collections (MC)
Located in the building immediately south of the SHESC/Anthropology Building. The historic library
building rooms are used to house extensive anthropology collections.
> SHESC Anthropology Collections Office (CSB):
Community Services Building (CSB), 200 E. Curry Rd. north of campus in Papago Park, just north of the
Tempe Town Lake/Salt River. (There is plenty of free parking at CSB; alternatively the Earth Orbit can be
taken from campus to Curry Road, and short walk to the building).
Hours per week and days and times needed:
You can receive academic credit for this internship. If you can commit to 6 hours a week you will receive
2 credits, if you can commit to 9 hours a week you can receive 3 credits. You must commit to at least 6
hours a week to qualify for this internship. Acceptance of an applicant is also based on schedule
coordination. Be sure to specify your days and hours of availability in your application. [M-F, 8-5, no
weekends, no evening hours]. If you are unable to commit to 6 hours a week, then volunteer
possibilities are also available.
Project Supervisor:
Arleyn Simon
Supervising Faculty:
Arleyn W. Simon, PhD., Associate Research Professor
Contact Information: [email protected] Phone: 480-965-6957