The main goal of the project is to determine the variability between a number of archaeological sites in British Columbia in the degree to which animal bone was burned. The student research assistant will produce a data base documenting the condition of animal bone specimens based upon their first-hand observations and help the research faculty to search for patterns amongst the data.

Positions available: 1

The project may include, but is not limited to:

• Making and recording observations on the condition of bone specimens with the aid of comparative specimens reflecting various stages of burning
• Summarizing results using very basic comparative statistics in excel
• Conducting on-line literature reviews on the methods employed by zooarchaeologists and forensic anthropologists to identify and interpret burned bone

The student will work closely with the faculty member who is supervising. Supervision will include an in-person orientation to the research goals and explanation of the tasks to be performed, including a lesson in how to distinguish visibly between the different stages of burning from the colour and texture of bone. The research assistant will also be provided with a template for the data base to be used, comparative specimens to be used and a work station in the faculty and student research room. The supervisor will be available for questions by email, Teams or in-person. There will be weekly meetings on Teams or in-person to report on findings, ask questions, and troubleshoot.