Computer and Advanced Laboratory Methods

We have three archaeological laboratories on campus. My students receive not only the strongest possible education in anthropological theory, but they are exceptionally well-qualified in the nuances of laboratory analyses, computer, and geophysical equipment technologies. They are also strongly quantitatively oriented. I have developed field work projects at many different locations for my students. Several of my articles, papers, and professional presentations have student co-authors. I have developed very strong cross-school ties to the Geological Science and Biology departments in the School of Natural Sciences. We have jointly given courses and purchased a ground penetrating radar unit and cesium magnetometer, worth a total of $150,000. Recently, we received a National Science Foundation Grant to purchase an ICP-MS unit worth $250,000 (see Archaeology and Chemistry- ICM-MS below). In addition, we have a " state of the art" Nikon E3S Digital Camera obtained under a Grant from Academic Affairs, CSULB worth $20,000.

In recent years I have made available to our students two powerful statistical packages: Systat and S-Plus. Other programs include MS-Word, MS-Windows 95, MS-Works, MS-Power Point, MS- Excel, MagMap, Fortner's Transform, Noesys, T3D, DataPlot, NutPlus, Netscape (access to e-mail and the WWW), NTS Enhancement Software, Adobe's Photoshop, Pagemill (WWWeb) and Illustrator. These programs can be accessed via the Archaeology Laboratory computers and Field Computer. Several of the graduate students are presently using these programs for their thesis research. I have also directed the complete inventory of archaeological collections housed at CSULB in the Anthropology Department. We have attempted to organize the collections so that students can better use them for independent research projects.

This year I purchased several specialized computers, associated hardware, and software for the laboratory. These items include electronic callipers and lab scales which can instantly download quantitative data on a computerized catalog sheet. Students can complete the cataloging process in a dramatically reduced time period. These data can then be easily transferred to Systat and S-Plus for statistical and graphic analysis. I have also obtained computers and software (see above) which are of great value to our students. In the Advanced Laboratory Methods class, students learn the most recent advances in lab procedures. They also learn how to use the UCSB Cataloging system which is one of the most popular programs in the field. The lab manual is also very helpful to our students who apply various techniques and methods to collections housed at CSULB.

Lastly, we purchased a full-station laser transit which students are trained to use in order to map the exact province of architectural features and artifacts. We have a full range of archaeological survey and excavation equipment items, and we are capable of setting up a field expedition with associated camping gear for a very large group. Recently, we purchased a flotation machine ($6,500.00) that allows for the extraction of excellent botanical and faunal remains. Because of this, our students are trained in the most contemporary and cutting-edge technologies that can be offered to archaeology students. I have submitted 50+equipment proposals, and as a result, we have developed an archaeology science and geophysics program that is, in my opinion, second to none in the special research studies that we can complete.