Stone Age Archaeology

The Stone Age Archaeology Research Laboratory brings together scientists with diverse interests focused on the evolution of human behavior from a variety of different proxies.

The lab is focused on primary data collection and the development of new methodologies for the study of ancient hominin behavior. Our lab is particularly fieldwork focused, and students acquire primary data on a variety of paleoanthropological sites throughout Africa and Eurasia, including the renowned Koobi Fora Field School.

Research Interests

Biogeochemistry of ratite shells for geochronology
Reconstruction of ancient diets using microfossils recovered from stone tools and dental calculus
Three-dimensional analysis of archaeological materials
Site formation processes through the computerization of archaeological excavation techniques

Geochemical provenance studies of stone age artefacts
The study of the mechanical properties of stone and its effect on artifact manufacture
Technological analysis of stone artefact manufacture across the full time span of human evolution
Study of modern primate technology as an analog to early hominin tool use