Archaeological Science for Historical Archaeologists Workshop

Workshop Organizer: Matthew Greer (mcgkkbJUNK WOOOO!@missouri.edu)

Workshop Instructors: James Davenport, Whitney Goodwin, Matthew Greer, Alexa Kuo, Brandi MacDonald, Virginie Renson, and Jay Stephens.

Are you curious about archaeological science? Do you have questions about how it can be used in research? Have you ever considered undertaking chemical analysis but were not sure where to start? Are you a graduate student or early career scholar studying historical archaeology?

The Archaeometry Laboratory at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is hosting a free workshop in August 2024 that will provide training in archaeological science to six participants studying historical archaeology. The workshop will focus on the types of chemical analyses MURR archaeologists use to analyze artifacts—including neutron activation analysis (NAA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), elemental and isotopic analysis by mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS), and Raman spectroscopy—and how they can be used to answer the types of questions historical archaeologists are interested in. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of the analytical techniques discussed above and how they can incorporate archaeological science into their future research. During the workshop, the participants will also be able to talk about their future research plans with staff members at the largest and best-equipped archaeological science laboratory in the United States.

When: August 5^th to August 8^th 2024

Where: The University of Missouri Research Reactor in Columbia, Missouri, USA

Who Can Attend: Any graduate student (M.A. or Ph.D.) or postdoctoral scholar (less than years five from receiving a Ph.D.) studying historical archaeology. No prior experience with archaeological science is required and participants without this experience are especially encouraged to apply. Students of color are also especially encouraged to apply.

Costs: There is no cost to attend the workshop. All participants will be reimbursed a minimum of $600 for travel and housing expenses. Group housing options are optional, details TBD.

How to Apply: Complete the application questionnaire below by April 30^th, 2024. The questionnaire includes 1) a short biographical sketch (300 words), 2) an essay on why you want to do the workshop and how attending the workshop could advance research and future career plans (300 words), and 3) questions about your previous experience with archaeological science and your ability to get training in archaeological science at your current institution. Preference will be given to applicants 1) with limited background in the archaeological science techniques discussed in the workshop and who cannot get this training at their home institution and 2) who clearly articulate why they want to attend the workshop and how it could advance their research/careers. For more information, contact Matthew Greer (mcgkkbJUNK WOOOO!@missouri.edu).

Please complete the application questionnaire, which can be found at the link below. For full consideration, the questionnaire must be submitted by April 30^th, 2024.

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Travel to Columbia, Missouri

To make it easier for participants to get to and from Columbia, the first event of the workshop will be an opening reception on Monday evening (August 5^th) and the workshop will end at noon on Friday (August 8^th). There are three options for traveling to Columbia.