Archaeologist
Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Applied Archaeology
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico 88130 USA
Assistant Professor, Eastern New Mexico University, 2008-present
Ph.D. (With Distinction), Dept. of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 2008
Archaeological Project Director, e2M, Inc., Albuquerque, NM, 2005-2008
Teaching Associate, Dept. of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, 2002-2004
M.A., Dept. of Anthropology, Eastern New Mexico University, 1998
B.A., Dept. of Anthropology, Appalachian State University, 1992
I am an archaeologist focused primarily upon the early prehistory of North America. Though my research is largely oriented toward understanding the Paleoindian archaeological record of the American West, my broader interests range into other time periods, and into the associated fields of quaternary geology and ecology. I became an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Eastern New Mexico University in 2008 after having received my PhD in Anthropology from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque that same year.
My academic interests include lithic artifact analysis, geoarchaeology, hunter-gatherer ecology, Paleoindians, and Southwest prehistory. In pursuing these interests I have had the opportunity to work throughout the United States as well as Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guam. I have enjoyed fieldwork and research at some of the classic western Paleoindian sites, including Blackwater Draw, Murray Springs, Mockingbird Gap, Folsom, and the Rio Rancho Folsom site, as well as Boca Negra Wash, Deann’s Site, Demolition Road, Nall Playa, and others including the newly identified Beach cache in North Dakota.
My current research is focused on Clovis and Folsom archaeology of the American West, Southwest and Plains. My dissertation research consisted of an investigation of Clovis caches where I systematically compared cache assemblages to those of Clovis kill and camp sites towards interpreting their roles in Clovis economy and landscape use. This research continues. In addition, I am currently investigating a number of archaeological and geoarchaeological aspects of Blackwater Draw Locality No. 1, the Clovis site, and have directed the ENMU Archaeological Field School there for the past two years. You can find more information about Blackwater Draw by following the links provided below.
As an Assistant Professor at a public university I believe that teaching at all levels is a fundamentally important part of my job. I am a firm believer in the efficacy of the scientific method and the power of critical thinking, and I believe that empowering students with these skill sets is a critical part of providing a quality education. I hope to live up to these ideals in each of my classes. If you are interested in educational opportunities at Eastern New Mexico University, follow the link provided below.
Finally, I would like to say that to whatever extent the research presented here is successful and worthwhile; it is to a large degree due to the help and support of earnest students, inspiring colleagues, supportive friends and family, and a tolerably well-behaved dog. Thank you for visiting this web page and for your interest in my research.
Blackwater Draw site (the Clovis site) unofficial web page and blog
http://theclovissite.wordpress.com/
Official ENMU Blackwater Draw website
http://www.enmu.edu/services/museums/blackwater-draw/index.shtml
ENMU Department of Anthropology and Applied Archaeology
http://liberal-arts.enmu.edu/anthro/index.shtml
Bruce Huckell, PhD, University of New Mexico
http://www.unm.edu/~anthro/people_faculty_bruce_huckell.html
Briggs Buchanan, PhD, Simon Fraser University
https://sites.google.com/site/briggsbuchanan/home
Marcus J. Hamilton, PhD, University of New Mexico
http://www.unm.edu/~marcusj/home.htm
Vance Holliday and AARF, University of Arizona
http://www.argonaut.arizona.edu/
David Meltzer and QUEST, Southern Methodist University
http://smu.edu/anthro/QUEST/HOME.htm
Center for the Study of the First Americans, Texas A&M University
http://www.centerfirstamericans.com/
National Science Foundation
http://www.nsf.gov/index.jsp
Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society
http://www.sigmaxi.org/
National Geographic Society, Research and Exploration Grants
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/field/grants-programs/cre-application/
Society for American Archaeology
http://www.saa.org/
George C. Frison Institute, University of Wyoming
http://www.uwyo.edu/ANTHROPOLOGY/Frison-Institute/
Smithsonian Institution Department of Anthropolgy
http://anthropology.si.edu/
National Center for Science Education
http://ncse.com/
The Skeptics Society, promoting science and critical thinking
http://www.skeptic.com/
Science Blogs, an experiment in science communication
http://scienceblogs.com/
Science Daily, latest research news
http://www.sciencedaily.com/
