We welcome collaborators from all backgrounds and interests into the Paleoethnobotany Laboratory. Please reach out to Dr. Carney if you’d like to work together on a project. We are also happy to host anyone interested in learning more about geophyte identifications – just reach out.
Some volunteer remote opportunities for ethnobotanical research experience are available.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate research in the lab is focused on training and mentoring successful students. While we primarily focus on paleoethnobotanical questions, the skills learned in this space will prepare students with laboratory and data generation and manipulation skillsets applicable beyond archaeology or academia. Students interested in pursuing continuing education or professional programs will also be encouraged to design their own questions, present their work at conferences, network and create connections outside the lab, and publish their work in peer-reviewed journals. As it takes time to learn these skills, undergraduates interested in our group’s work and/or wishing to gain research experience should be prepared to commit to at least one full year of work in the lab, and preferably should be willing to spend closer to two years. Students interested in joining should contact Dr. Carney and read the lab manual.
Graduate Students
Graduate students are expected to undertake original scientific research and to present and publish their work at conferences and within peer-reviewed journals. MA students are encouraged join existing projects while PhD students are expected to have a draft of a research prospectus or question. All interested students should contact Dr. Carney by mid fall to discuss your interests and learn about potential opportunities. Please visit our projects page to see what opportunities currently exist. Applicants must apply to the Department of Anthropology and Graduate School; guidelines for applying can be found on the Department of Anthropology website. Students may be eligible for additional funding – information on these opportunities can be found on the Graduate School’s Funding page.