All students will rotate between four modules of various field and laboratory activities during the 8-week program. These are:
- Archaeological excavation and mapping;
- Materials characterization;
- Curation, collections management and exhibition development;
- Data management.
To allow extensive faculty student interactions and mentoring, REU students will work closely, either one-on-one or in small groups, with faculty and professionals from two regional institutions: SMCM and the MAC Lab. Faculty and staff from SMCM include archaeologists, chemists and the gallery director who will partner with conservators and collections specialists at the MAC Lab. Students will have ample opportunity for hands-on experiences, adaptive learning , collaboration and building collegial relationships with the professional staff and fellow students through the following training and hands-on learning experiences:
- Phase II and III archaeological excavations;
- Proper handling and collection of artifacts in the field;
- Proper processing and housing of excavated materials;
- Basic conservation of metal, glass, and ceramic artifacts including digital curation;
- Non-Destructive materials analysis (thermal analysis, XRF, Raman, IR, UV-vis spectroscopy);
- Latest mapping technology including drones and interpretation of analytical data using GIS;
- Documentation including traditional methods as well as 3D imaging and Photogrammetry;
- Independent research projects;
- Development of a public exhibition related to the project.
After completing the summer program, all interested students can engage with research mentors remotely to develop presentations for regional professional conferences, contribute to co-authored publications, and a public exhibition at the College.