My dissertation project examined established and emerging methods of lithic analysis. Following a three publication format, this centers around application of multiple avenues of lithic analysis at Late Pleistocene sites in North America. My dissertation consists of a paper detailing technological and use-wear analysis of a Central Plains site, experimental development of a protocol for species of origin detection from nucleic acids deposited during stone tool use.Â
The ultimate aim is to apply this method to lithic artifacts from Clovis and Clovis-age sites using metabarcoding for species of origin determination of ancient DNA deposited during use.
My masters thesis consisted of a technologically-focused debitage analysis of the Gaudreau site in southeastern Quebec. The research examined reduction sequences and preferences with regard to raw material use.
I have excavation experience throughout North America and have additionally been involved in lithic analysis projects for some of these assemblages. These sites range from the Yukon Arctic to the coast of Maine to far West Texas.