Award Abstract # 2236813
CAREER: Reconstructing Subsistence, Diet Breadth, and Paleoclimate in Interior Alaska during Social and Climatic Transitions

NSF Org: OPP
Office of Polar Programs (OPP)
Recipient: UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
Initial Amendment Date: July 20, 2023
Latest Amendment Date: July 20, 2023
Award Number: 2236813
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Roberto Delgado
robdelga@nsf.gov
 (703)292-2397
OPP
 Office of Polar Programs (OPP)
GEO
 Directorate for Geosciences
Start Date: August 15, 2023
End Date: July 31, 2028 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $699,527.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $699,527.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2023 = $699,527.00
History of Investigator:
  • Briana Doering (Principal Investigator)
    bdoerin2@uwyo.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: University of Wyoming
1000 E UNIVERSITY AVE
LARAMIE
WY  US  82071-2000
(307)766-5320
Sponsor Congressional District: 00
Primary Place of Performance: University of Wyoming
1000 E UNIVERSITY AVE DEPARTMENT 3434
LARAMIE
WY  US  82071-2000
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
00
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): FDR5YF2K32X5
Parent UEI: FDR5YF2K32X5
NSF Program(s): ASSP-Arctic Social Science,
Archaeology
Primary Program Source: 0100CYXXDB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
01002324DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 1079, 1045, 1391, 5221
Program Element Code(s): 522100, 139100
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.075, 47.078

ABSTRACT

This project refines reconstructions of subsistence traditions in central Alaska by applying traditional knowledge and isotopic analysis to the interpretation of archaeological hearth remains. Isotopic data from over fifty legacy collections and remains of experimental cooking features will be analyzed to reconstruct past subsistence practices. Experimental and legacy hearth residues will be compared with newly excavated hearths recovered through targeted excavations at two sites in different ecological settings in the middle Tanana Valley. Research will be combined with mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities for Alaska Native youth at summer culture camps. Undergraduate and graduate students as well as one post-doctoral researcher will benefit from field- and lab-based training and educational opportunities.

This project employs 1) isotopic and molecular analysis of legacy and experimental hearth remains; 2) targeted excavation at two sites in central Alaska, Swan Point and Niidhaayh Na?; 3) analysis of newly recovered archaeological materials; and 4) interpretation and synthesis of results with community stakeholders. The isotopic, molecular, macrobotanical, and artifactual data collected during this project will be used to reconstruct late Pleistocene and early Holocene subsistence, diet breadth, and paleoclimate. The PI will test hypotheses regarding use of upland and lowland ecological zones and resource availability relative to environmental conditions and demographic pressures. Anticipated outcomes include a traveling educational exhibit, peer-reviewed journal articles, multiple research assistantships and master?s theses, one dissertation, and two years of training, mentorship, and research experience for a postdoctoral scholar. This award positions a promising researcher for an interdisciplinary STEM career as an engaged teacher and productive Arctic scientist.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

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